Reoptimization for Great Power Competition

“I’m extremely proud of the Space Force and all the good it has accomplished. But, as good as we are, as much as we’ve done, as far as we’ve come, it’s not enough. We are not yet optimized for Great Power Competition.”

~ Chief of Space Operations
Gen. Chance Saltzman

The establishment of the U.S. Space Force was a direct response to threats arising from Great Power Competition in the space domain. Nevertheless, our legacy roots leave us sub-optimized for the security environment confronting us today, and we must finish fine-tuning the service to continue meeting its National Defense Strategy responsibilities

In early 2024, the Department of the Air Force unveiled sweeping plans for reshaping, refocusing, and reoptimizing the Air Force and Space Force to ensure continued supremacy in their respective domains while better posturing the services to deter and, if necessary, prevail in an era of Great Power Competition. Through a series of 24 DAF-wide key decisions, four core areas which demand the Department’s attention will be addressed: Develop People, Generate Readiness, Project Power and Develop Capabilities.

The space domain is no longer benign; it has rapidly become congested and contested.

We must enhance our capabilities, develop Guardians for modern warfare, prepare for the high intensity fight, and strengthen our power projection to thrive and win in this new era of Great Power Competition.

Video by Tech. Sgt. Al Craig

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C-130H Avionics Modernization Program Enhances Global Mission Capability

913th Airlift Group

March 30, 2026 | 1:19

The C-130H Hercules, the tactical airlift workhorse of the U.S. Air Force, is undergoing a significant transformation through the Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) to ensure its continued relevance and global mission capability well into the 21st century. At the center of the effort to systematically upgrade the legacy H-model fleet is a combined test force composed of Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard personnel with the host 417th Test and Evaluation Squadron. This collaboration draws on each unit’s deep institutional knowledge and commitment to the C-130H to ensure global mission capability well into the 21st century.