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 Edward Muniz

Best Redleg Competition Winners 2024 - 13B M119 Howitzer - 428th Field Artillery Brigade - Sgt. Kamarean Stratman

Fort Sill Public Affairs

May 15, 2024 | 1:19

Sgt. Kamarean Stratman, a 13B in 2nd Battalion, 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, 428th Field Artillery Brigade, talks about his experience competing in the Gen. Raymond T. Odierno Best Redleg Competition 2024. He and his squad were crowned the Best Redlegs for their MOS on the M119 Howitzer. They went through a week of grueling tasks, including the Army Combat Fitness Test, Peden Confidence Obstacle Course, ESB lanes, an 11.5-mile ruck, night infiltration and more.

The U.S. Army Field Artillery School (USAFAS) and the Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill (USAFCoEFS) hosted the inaugural 2024 GEN. Raymond T. Odierno Best Redleg Competition at Fort Sill, Oklahoma from May 9-14, 2024 to identify the top howitzer crews, fire direction centers (FDC) sections and fire support teams (FiST) from across the U.S. Army. Testing focused on Field Artillery fundamentals in a representative tactical scenario that promotes technical competence, professionalism and brilliance in the basics.

The Gen. Raymond T. Odierno Best Redleg Competition is an integral part of the Field Artillery Branch’s pursuit of excellence and continuous effort to enhance the overall combat effectiveness of the Field Artillery warfighter to provide timely and accurate fires. This inaugural event will focus on the fundamentals, promote esprit de corps and the exchange of best practices through healthy competition and rivalry.