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 Sgt. Mariah Gonzalez

1LT Derek Hines - Flag Day 5k Race 2023

173rd Airborne Brigade

Oct. 11, 2023 | 1:52

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade honor and commemorate 1LT Derek Hines during the Derek Hines - Flag Day 5k Race, Oct. 16, 2023, on Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy.

Derek S. Hines, age 25, was killed in action on Sept. 1, 2005 in Baylough, Afghanistan while conducting security operations with Battle Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment. Derek was serving as Battle Company’s Fire Support Officer when the unit cam under small arms fire. Even after being fatally wounded, Derek continued to return fire at the enemy. 1LT Hines was posthumously awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his service.

The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

(U.S. Army video by Sgt. Mariah Y. Gonzalez)