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 JOSE SALAZAR

McAfee U.S. Army Health Clinic Change of Command (27Jun19)

White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs

June 27, 2019 | 4:29

Some things may cause Col. Erik Rude to wake up in the middle of the night, but one thing he said he never worried about was clinic leadership at White Sands Missile Range and its broad and diverse healthcare mission encompassing 3,200 square miles (roughly the size of Delaware and Rhode Island) and serving as the Emergency Response Team for Nuclear Accident/Incident Response Assistance.

That’s because with Lt. Col. Kirsten Swanson leading the McAfee U.S. Army Health Clinic, “she takes care of that every,” said Rude, Commander of William Beaumont Army Medical Center which the McAfee Clinic falls under.

Rude made his remarks during a June 27, 2019, change of command ceremony honoring Swanson as she departs after two years of command, and welcoming Lt. Col. Aaron Braxton II with full confidence of continuing to lead with the same level of excellence.