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 Airman 1st Class Kylee Tyus

Team McChord welcomes Air Force JROTC, ROTC cadets

62nd Airlift Wing

May 10, 2024 | 2:31

U.S. Air Force ROTC and Junior ROTC cadets with the Central Washington University, Detachment 895; Oregon State University, Detachment 685, and Washington High School toured a C-17 Globemaster III and various locations around Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, May 10, 2024. The cadets met 62d Airlift Wing Airmen and were introduced to various aviation career fields to experience the rapid global mobility mission first-hand. Team McChord hosts tours to give future Airmen the chance to experience various career opportunities. Tours for Junior ROTC and University ROTC cadets play an important role in educating and developing future Airmen.