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 Maj. Rachel Buitrago

MQ-9 live munition strike during KFT 24

7th Air Force

April 18, 2024 | 0:13

An inert GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided munition fired from a U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper impacts a simulated target at Pilsung Range, Republic of Korea, April 19, 2024. The MQ-9 Reaper participated in Korea Flying Training 24, the largest ROK-U.S. combined flying training event held annually on Korean peninsula, marking the first time the aircraft has deployed to the ROK and participated in live munitions training. During KFT 24 the aircraft was configured to participate in numerous training scenarios to rehearse its precision strike, close air support, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. (U.S. Air Force video) (Editor's Note: This declassified video has been edited for length, however, the events are depicted in sequential order.)