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 Cpl. Colton Garrett

MRF-D HIMARS conduct GMLRS live fire (B-Roll)

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin

Aug. 29, 2021 | 0:15

A U.S. Marine Corps M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System attached to Marine Rotational Force - Darwin fires a Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System while conducting an emergency fire mission during Exercise Koolendong at Bradshaw Field Training Area, NT, Australia, Aug. 29, 2021. An emergency fire mission consists of HIMARS receiving a target location, convoying to a firing point, firing a payload and retrograding to a safe location. Exercise Koolendong validates MRF-D’s and the ADF’s ability to conduct expeditionary advanced base operations with combined innovative capabilities; through their shared commitment, both forces are postured to respond to a crisis or contingency in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Colton K. Garrett)