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. Servante Coba

Sun Sets on the Gunrunners of HMLA-269: Deactivation Ceremony

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

Dec. 9, 2022 | 5:31

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269 participate in a deactivation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Dec. 9, 2022. HMLA-269 deactivated in accordance with Force Design 2030 after 51 years of service. HMLA-269 was a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

This B-roll footage contains the following: U.S. Marines conducting a pass and review; Col. Richard Joyce, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 29, addressing the audience; Lt. Col. Ralph Tompkins, commanding officer of HMLA-269, addressing the audience; and U.S. Marines case the squadron colors.

(U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Servante R. Coba)