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 Lance Cpl. Alexander Pool

JOEP Small Boat Operations

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

July 16, 2014 | 1:42

Soldiers with the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) and U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (BLT 3/5), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) conduct small boat operations as part of the Japan Observer Exchange Program (JOEP) at Kin, Okinawa, Japan. Interview by 1st Lt. Ari Schiff, 3rd Platoon Commander, Lima Company, BLT 3/5, 31st MEU. The JGSDF soldiers worked side-by-side with the Marines of Lima Company, BLT 3/5, 31st MEU, as part of the JOEP which consists of a wide range of bilateral events focusing on familiarization of large scale amphibious operations. Also available in high definition. (Marine Corps Motion Imagery Provided by Lance Cpl. Alexander N. Pool 31st MEU Combat Camera/ Released)