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 Kathryn Reaves

JBSA Defenders honor fallen B-Roll

502nd Air Base Wing

Nov. 8, 2024 | 1:14

Approximately two thousand individuals attended the Fallen Defender Ruck March at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, Texas, Nov. 8, 2024. Security Forces Airmen assigned to the 502d Air Base Wing and 37th Training Wing rucked alongside Gold Star family members and JBSA supporters on the more than 5-mile course while carrying at least 35 pounds across varied terrain. The march honored Defenders who lost their lives during military service, including Staff Sgt. Travis Griffin and 1st Lt. Joseph Helton. Family members of both Griffin and Helton participated in the ruck and spoke to Airmen assigned to flights named after the fallen Defenders. (U.S. Air Force video by Kathryn R.C. Reaves)