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 Pfc. Carlos Marquez

Thunderbolt Convergence: HIMARS joint inspection on Ramstein Air Base

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

March 25, 2025 | 1:18

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment conduct joint inspection operations with U.S. Airmen from the 37th Airlift Squadron on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 25, 2025. The inspection ensured that the U.S. Army M142 Army High Mobility Artillery Rocket System equipment and supporting systems are airworthy and mission-ready ahead of Thunderbolt Convergence 2025, a multinational HIMARS Rapid Infiltration exercise that enhanced NATO interoperability, rapid deployment, and precision fires across Europe. (U.S. Army video by Pfc. Carlos Marquez)

Shot list:

00:00:06:00 – U.S. Soldiers open a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System compartment.
00:00:12:00 – U.S. Soldiers inspect battery terminals inside a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.
00:00:18:00 – U.S. Soldier opens a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System compartment.
00:00:24:00 – U.S. Soldier removes dirt from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System compartment.
00:00:30:00 – A High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle drives onto axle scales.
00:00:36:00 – U.S. Airman measures the dimensions of a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle.
00:00:42:00 – U.S. Soldier inspects a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System axle.
00:00:48:00 – U.S. Soldier turns on a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System air compressor.
00:00:53:00 – U.S. Soldier uses an air compressor to remove dirt from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System compartment.
00:00:59:00 – U.S. Soldier wraps equipment in paper wrap.
00:01:05:00 – U.S. Soldier rolls equipment wrapped in paper wrap.
00:01:11:00 – U.S. Soldier stores equipment in a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System compartment.