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 Cpl. Ryan Harvey

Chuting For The Ground | Marines with 3rd Marine Logistics Group conduct parachuting operations

3rd Marine Logistics Group

July 30, 2020 | 1:42

U.S. Marines with 3rd Transportation Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group (MLG), as well as 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division (MARDIV) and Force Reconnaissance Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Maritime Raid Force, conduct military free falls and static line jumps at Ie Shima Training Facility, Okinawa, Japan, July 30, 2020. Marines with the 3rd MLG, 3rd MARDIV and 31st MEU, conduct military free fall and static line training to maintain their annual qualifications required for parachuting. 3rd MLG provides III Marine Expeditionary Force comprehensive logistics and combat service support for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan Harvey)