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 Capt. Thomas McCarty

Interviews on electronic warfare and restructuring efforts with Soldiers assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division during Combined Resolve 25-02

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

May 7, 2025 | 9:25

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, discuss electronic warfare systems and restructuring during Combined Resolve 25-02 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center on Hohenfels Training Area, Hohenfels, Germany, May 7, 2025. Electronic warfare systems such as the Beast+ system support EW efforts by scanning the electromagnetic spectrum to detect enemy signals, identify spoofing or jamming threats, and enhance battlefield awareness for maneuver elements. Combined Resolve is part of the Army’s “Transforming in Contact” initiative, which assesses the effectiveness of electronic warfare and counter-unmanned aerial systems, as well as how force structure changes and current tactics align with emerging technologies. (U.S. Army video by Capt. Thomas McCarty)

-Interview with 1st Lt. Cara Shattan-

00:00:10:08 - 00:00:51:16 General overview of electronic warfare (EW) program

00:00:51:17 - 00:02:40:06 Integration of EW across the warfighting functions

00:02:40:07 - 00:03:13:09 Explanation of Beast+ system as a beyond line of sight sensor

00:03:13:10 - 00:03:44:09 How EW systems are being implemented with new force structure of two EW platoons

00:03:44:10 - 00:04:21:16 Why the Beast+ system is important to operational success

00:04:21:17 - 00:05:15:11 Explanation of EW platoon restructuring

00:05:15:11 - 00:06:04:07 Why restructuring to two EW platoons provides a tactical advantage

00:06:04:07 - 00:06:46:07 How restructuring increases EW capabilities at both the brigade and battalion levels

-Interview with Sgt. 1st Class Johnathon Ramsey-

00:06:51:21 - 00:07:07:21 General overview of electronic warfare (EW) program

00:07:07:22 - 00:07:37:12 Explanation of Beast+ system and its capabilities

00:07:37:13 - 00:07:58:14 How the Beast+ system provides a tactical advantage

00:07:58:15 - 00:08:22:18 Discussion of the two EW platoon concept

00:08:22:19 - 00:08:50:14 How 1/3ID is a proof of concept for the Army and EW restructuring efforts

00:08:50:15- 00:09:24:16 Why innovation in EW is important