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. Rachel Hall, Staff Sgt. Joseph Novak

B-Roll: Task Force Iron, Maryland National Guard join NATO allies in Estonia's Victory Day Parade

70th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

June 23, 2025 | 2:03

U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawks with Alpha Company, 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division and a color guard consisting of soldiers from 5-7 Cavalry and Maryland National Guardsmen participate in the Victory Day parade in Pärnu, Estonia, June 23, 2025. The Victory Day parade is held every year to commemorate Estonia’s victory in the War for Independence during the Battle of Võnnu on June 23, 1919 during a critical moment in Estonia’s fight for independence. U.S. presence in Estonia enhances combat readiness, ensuring U.S. forces can operate effectively alongside NATO allies in diverse conditions. (U.S. Army video by Staff Sgt. Joseph Novak and Sgt. Rachel Hall)