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 Lance Cpl. Justin Updegraff

Raising Spartans: 2/6 Marines forge warrior spirit

II Marine Expeditionary Force

Aug. 5, 2014 | 1:14

Marines from 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division completed the first phase of their Agoge combat training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 2, 2014. Agoge, originally used to train the next generation of Spartan warriors, immerses the Marines in a simulated combat environment, where every hour is dedicated to training for the art of war. The battalion spent several days conducting mock offensive and defensive operations in the field. During the week and a half of training, seasoned Marine advisers ran the unit’s personnel through a series of combat simulations, which will progress to live-fire exercises before a culminating training event. Available in high definition.