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 Catherine Carroll

Enhancing Quality of Life at Camp Arifjan: USACE Cuts the Ribbon on the Unaccompanied Officers

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Expeditionary District

April 23, 2024 | 2:12

Set within the austere terrain of the Kuwaiti desert, Camp Arifjan is pivotal for U.S. military operations in the Middle East and serves as a temporary home for many. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Expeditionary District is transforming living conditions with the construction of the Unaccompanied Officers Quarters, a sleek, comfortable facility for 300 U.S. military officers. The project, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting attended by key USACE, U.S. Army Central, Kuwait Ministry of Defense, Kuwait Armed Forces, and U.S. Embassy officials on April 23, marks a significant enhancement of service member life at Camp Arifjan.

“This project in particular holds great importance as it directly enhances the quality of life for our military members deployed to Camp Arifjan and underscores our commitment to their well-being and readiness in fulfilling their missions. This project perfectly aligns with the mission and goals of the Transatlantic Division by providing essential engineering, construction, and contingency support to ARCENT and U.S. CentralCommand. Camp Arifjan's significance as a key base in the Middle East necessitates continuous improvements in force protection and quality of life. This initiative strengthens our ability to effectively operate in the region."." – Brig. Gen. William C. Hannan, Jr., USACE Transatlantic Division commanding general.

(Video footage courtesy of Kalyn Chism, USACE Transatlantic Expeditionary District Safety chief)