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 Courtesy

BM2 Dylan Lewis

U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia / Sector Guam

April 12, 2024 | 0:49

Petty Officer 1st Class Dylan Lewis, a boatswain's mate aboard USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140), describes serving as a small boat coxswain for the rescue of three men from Pikelot Atoll on April 9 while the cutter was offshore of Wolei Atoll, Federated States of Micronesia, on April 12, 2024. During a drought relief mission coordinated through the U.S. Embassy with USAID and IOM, on the heels of the mariner rescue, the USCGC Oliver Henry crew was again diverted, this time to assist in the medical transport of a 9-year-old boy from Satawal, who suffered injuries resulting from a fall out of a tree. The crew facilitated the transport of the boy, his parents, and a community EMT to Woleai Atoll for further medical care, showcasing the humanitarian spirit and readiness of the U.S. Coast Guard to respond to emergent health concerns. (U.S. Coast Guard video by Lt. j.g. Marissa Marsh Lovullo)