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 Seaman Jadyn Beavers, Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Benvie, Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Crawford, Petty Officer 3rd Class Quinn Denson, Petty Officer 3rd Class Caleb Foote, Petty Officer 1st Class Thomas Gooley, Seaman Ryan Holloway, Petty Officer 3rd Class Jahred Johnson, Lt. Nick Lippert, Petty Officer 3rd Class Ismael Martinez, Senior Chief Petty Officer Michael McNabb, Petty Officer 2nd Class Krescent Peters, Petty Officer 3rd Class Adina Phebus, Petty Officer 3rd Class Carter Radke, Petty Officer 2nd Class Juan Ruiz-Lazcano, Chief Petty Officer Kyle Steckler, Seaman Richard Tinker, Petty Officer 3rd Class Eduardo Torres, Seaman Ikia Walker, Petty Officer 2nd Class Demitrius Williams, Petty Officer 1st Class Chris Williamson, Ensign Molly Workman