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. Matthew Hecht

NJ Youth ChalleNGe Academy News Story

New Jersey National Guard

April 6, 2016 | 1:13

NJ Youth ChalleNGe Academy Class 44 candidates in-process at the New Jersey Family Assistance at the National Guard Armory in Bordentown, N.J., April 6, 2016. During the next two weeks of the 22-week program, the candidates will undergo an acclimation phase where they will adjust to the program’s physical, mental and social discipline. The voluntary educational program provides 16 to 18 year-old high school dropouts a structured residential program in a quasi-military environment where they can earn a general education development diploma. Includes soundbites from Vicki Ragucci, NJ Youth ChalleNGe director, and Keenan Bryant, ChalleNGe candidate.