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 Capt. Jennifer French, Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Joyner, Capt. Andrew Lightsey IV

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General (Ret.) Richard A. Cody on the Legacy of the Screaming Eagles and the Dawn of Special Operations Aviation

101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

Feb. 27, 2026 | 8:58

Gen. (Ret.) Richard A. Cody reflects on the legacy of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and the evolution of Army aviation, from World War II to modern-day operations.

Cody describes the “Screaming Eagle” patch as more than an insignia, calling it a direct link to the soldiers who fought in Normandy, Bastogne and Vietnam. A self-described historian, he highlights the “unbelievable bravery” of the World War II generation and the enduring responsibility carried by today’s Soldiers.

As a lieutenant colonel during Operation Desert Storm, Cody led Task Force Normandy, a decisive Apache helicopter strike that disrupted Iraqi air defenses in the opening moments of the war. “We had to hit the targets at 2:38 in the morning,” he said. “It was four minutes and 30 seconds of chaos.” The mission cleared the way for coalition air operations and demonstrated the effectiveness of a highly trained, all-volunteer force.

Cody also discusses the Army’s investment in readiness through the National Training Center and Joint Readiness Training Center, as well as his role in the development of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), known as the “Night Stalkers.” The unit pioneered night vision and low-level flight tactics now used across the force.

Throughout his career, which culminated as the Army’s 31st Vice Chief of Staff, Cody emphasized the importance of the Soldiers behind the mission. “Crew chiefs, maintainers, our armament guys—they make it happen,” he said.

Cody said today’s Soldiers continue to build on a legacy that stretches from the C-47s over Normandy to modern aviation operations, “standing on the shoulders” of those who came before.