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 Tech. Sgt. Elise Rich

Supportive Employers Key Component to Success of Reserve and Guard Mission

131st Bomb Wing

Aug. 24, 2018 | 3:35

The National Guard and Reserve make up more than 35 percent of total American armed forces. The majority of these men and women hold civilian careers outside of their military service -- working quietly in our communities. They are your friends and neighbors. From fire fighters to financial advisors, teachers to tradesmen, our citizen soldiers and airmen are sewn into the communities in a unique way.

When called to duty, whether helping respond to a wildfire or flood or fighting America's wars abroad, these soldiers' and airmen's civilian employers have a gap to fill and challenges to overcome. However, despite the challenge, many employers go above and beyond any legal requirement and support their military employees at incredible levels.

Each year, the Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, or ESGR, honors employers who surpass expectations.

Thirty of Missouri’s businesses and organizations were recently honored at the state level with an awards ceremony in Jefferson City. The ceremony gave Guard and Reserve employees a way to let their employers know that their support does not go unnoticed.

Missouri has a proud legacy of employer support for the military. During the past decade alone, eight Missouri employers have been recognized at the highest level -- being awarded the Secretary of Defense's Freedom Award, the top honor an employer can receive. Out of thousands of applicants, only 15 companies or organizations from across the country receive this award each year.

This year, Missouri sent another supportive company to Washington D.C. to receive top honors in a ceremony at the Pentagon.

Militia service is as old as the United States. Before independence, local communities formed their own security forces, citizens who would rally in times of emergency, to protect their homes and cities from outside threats. Today, the National Guard and Reserve continues this proud tradition. Without supportive employers, it would be nearly impossible to sustain an operational force of Guardsmen and Reservists ready to respond when the state or nation calls.

The ESGR awards program is one small way our nation says 'thank you' to supportive businesses and organizations, and is a reminder to these military employers that they are critical partners ensuring our national defense.