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 Petty Officer 2nd Class Jack Aistrup

319th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron Deployment Video

Media Center - Japan

Dec. 14, 2022 | 1:00

KANOYA, Japan (Dec. 14, 2022) Master Sergeant Steven Peterson, 319th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron (ERS) First Sergeant, speaks about the mission of the 319th ERS currently deployed to Japan Maritime Self-Defense (JMSDF) Kanoya Air Base for one year, and the squadrons efforts to integrate themselves into the local community and with their counterparts in the JMSDF. U.S. Pacific Air Forces has deployed MQ-9 Reapers, a medium-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft, and personnel to JMSDF Kanoya Air Base to conduct airborne reconnaissance operations in close coordination with the Japan Ministry of Defense. The presence of U.S. military personnel and assets in Japan supports our allies and partners by maintaining regional stability and security within the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jack D. Aistrup)