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 Sgt. David Erskine

South Carolina National Guard Chinook unit supports jump training

South Carolina National Guard

March 19, 2019 | 0:22

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with Detachment 1, Bravo Company, 2-238th General Support Aviation Battalion, South Carolina National Guard, partnered with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers to conduct jump training from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter over North Carolina, March 19, 2019. The training served as an opportunity for the South Carolina National Guard to partner with active duty Air Force and Army units to build relationships and maintain proficiency in conducting the operations (U.S. Army National Guard video by Spc. David Erskine, South Carolina National Guard)