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 Spc. Sar Paw

2CR Soldiers conduct PMCS to ensure readiness for Saber Guardian 25

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

June 5, 2025 | 1:54

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment conduct preventive maintenance checks and services of an M1134 Stryker ATGM in preparation for Saber Guardian 25, on Rose Barracks, Vilseck, Germany, June 5, 2025. PMCS ensures that Soldiers encounter no maintenance issues before their tactical march to Saber Guardian 25. DEFENDER 25 increases the lethality of the NATO alliance through large-scale tactical training maneuvers and long-range fires, builds unit readiness in a complex joint, multinational environment and leverages host nation capabilities to increase the U.S. Army’s operational reach. During three large-scale combat training exercises—Swift Response, Immediate Response, and Saber Guardian—Ally and partner forces integrate and expand multi-domain operations capability, demonstrating combined command and control structures and readiness to respond to crisis and conflict. (U.S. Army video by Spc. Sar Paw) Shot List: (00:05:00) - Title card (00:05:01 - 00:11:18) - A soldier checks the radio inside a tactical vehicle. (00:11:19 - 00:44:19) - The soldier conducts PMCS (Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services) on an M1134 Stryker ATGM and secures an MRE box. (00:44:20 - 01:36:01) - Soldiers conduct PMCS on an M1134 Stryker ATGM and secure a tow bar to an HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle). (01:36:01 - 01:54:05) - A soldier guides ground movement for a M1135 Stryker ATGM.