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. Aliyah Vivier

Grand opening of main access control gate at Fort Indiantown Gap

109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Nov. 1, 2023 | 0:10

U.S. Soldiers and Airmen with the Pennsylvania National Guard, as well as civilians and community partners, attend a dedication ceremony for the newly constructed main access control point at Fort Indiantown Gap, Nov. 1, 2023. The speakers were Col. Kevin Potts, garrison commander of Fort Indiantown Gap, and Rep. Dan Meuser, representative of Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District.

Construction of the main ACP began in December 2021.

Fort Indiantown Gap is consistently one of the busiest National Guard training centers in the country and the access control point project helps ensure a safe and secure environment for the service members who train here and the employees who work here.

After Sept. 11, 2001, the Department of Defense mandated tighter security at military installations, including access control points. Construction of the access control points at Fort Indiantown Gap has been delayed several times.

Once operational, individuals will be required to present a state or federally issued photo ID to access the installation. All other entrances to Fort Indiantown Gap will then be permanently closed to through traffic.

(U.S. Army National Guard video by Spc. Aliyah Vivier)