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 Spc. Stephen Wright

Big Changes Come to the Arkansas National Guard

Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs Office

July 16, 2017 | 10:45

On Saturday, July 15, 2017, Colonel John O. Payne was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. Payne will now serve as
the Assistant Adjutant General - Support, for the Arkansas National Guard. General Payne has served in the military since 1988 when he
was named as a Distinguished Military Graduate of the Henderson State University Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). The keynote
speaker at the event was Brigadier General Gregrey Bacon of the Arkansas National Guard. Remarks were given by both Payne and Bacon.

On Sunday, July 16, 2017, Command Sergeant Major Larry N. Rankin relinquished responsibility of being the Arkansas National Guard's
State Command Sergeant Major to Command Sergeant Major James "Rick" Megoloff at a Change of Responsibility ceremony held at the
Robinson Maneuver Training Center. The State Command Sgt. Maj. is the highest rank achievable in the Arkansas Army National Guard aside
from the Senior Enlisted Leader of the Joint Forces Which is currently held by Command Sgt. Maj. Steven Veazey. Rankin has served in the
Arkansas National Guard for 41 years and is scheduled to retire from service later this summer.

Also on Sunday, Brig. Gen. Keith Klemmer, Assistant Adjutant General, Arkansas National Guard, retired after 30 years of service. At the
retirement ceremony, Klemmer received the Legion of Merit and the Arkansas Distinguished Service Medal. His General Officer flag was cased
to signify the end of his career.