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 Cpl. Juan Maldonado

31st MEU and ARDB conduct force on force training

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

Feb. 29, 2024 | 2:53

U.S. Marines and soldiers with the 2nd Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force conduct simulated jungle battles in small team tactics training at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 29-Mar. 1, 2024. The United States and Japan share common goals in the Indo-Pacific region such as freedom of navigation, economic prosperity within the rules of international law, and deterrence of aggression. Exercises like Iron Fist affirm the U.S. commitment to our allies and our strategic objectives. Iron Fist is annuakl bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengtehn the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S Navy, the JGSDF, and the JMSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Juan K. Maldonado)