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 Eugene Haynes

Officer Candidate School (OCS) Class 04-25 Graduation Ceremony

Naval Service Training Command

Dec. 13, 2024 | 31:06

107 Students in Officer Candidate School, Class 04-25, at Officer Training Command Newport, participate in their graduation ceremony at Naval Station Newport. Rear Admiral Michael R. Van Poots, United States Navy, Commander, Undersea Warfighting Development Center, serves as guest speaker for this event. Rear Admiral Michael R. Van Poots is a native of Sparta, NJ. He is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Physics, a Master of Business Administration Degree in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Applied Management and Decision Science from Walden University and a graduate of various programs from the Navy Post Graduate School, Naval War College, Joint Forces Staff College, and National Defense University. He received his commission from the Reserve Officer Training Corps program in Troy, NY, in 1995. He is a Level II Joint Qualified Officer. His doctoral dissertation research was conducted on Knowledge Management in Lean Manufacturing implementation. August 2024 RDML Van Poots assumed his current duties as Commander Undersea Warfighting Development Center, Groton, CT. His shipboard tours include USS BALTIMORE (SSN 704) and USS MONTPELIER (SSN 765) completing deployments to the Pacific, Northern Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Ashore, staff tours include various submarine and operational related units including Commander Submarine Squadron Six Det. 504, Commander Submarine Group Ten Force Protection Det. 2, US Fleet Forces Maritime Operations Center Det. Greensboro, Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3N5) at the Pentagon Navy Command Center and he is designated a US Naval Academy Blue and Gold Officer (BGO) Deputy Area Coordinator. RDML Van Poots personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. He has served with crews that have earned the Navy Battle Efficiency ‘E’ award, and various service, expeditionary, unit and campaign awards. Officer Training Command Newport develops civilians and fleet Sailors into newly commissioned officers morally, mentally, and physically while also instilling them with the highest ideals of honor, courage, and commitment for service in the fleet as Naval officers. BZ Team! Learn the benefits of a Naval career. TEXT: FLOC to 764764 or CALL: 1-800-USA-NAVY. #NETC #NSTC #OTCN