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 Spc. Stephen Wright

Live Footage Upload M777A2 Howitzer Fielding, Firing Makes History

Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs Office

July 28, 2018 | 5:35

Soldiers in the Arkansas National Guard fired newly issued M777A2 towed 155 mm howitzers during a live fire training exercise at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center, near Barling, Arkansas, 28 July. The howitzers were fielded to the newest formed unit in the state of Arkansas. Charlie Battery "Cold Steel", 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery Regiment, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team is headquartered in Booneville, Arkansas. This is the first time in history that the M777A2 howitzer has been issued to the Arkansas National Guard. Charlie battery was specifically formed just to receive these new artillery pieces and they have been tasked with the responsibility of handling and maintaining the newly fielded howitzers. The M777A2s are commonly referred to as "Triple 7s". The battery was issued the weapons on 16 July, 2018.

(U.S. Army National Guard video by Spc. Stephen M. Wright)