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 Master Sgt. Thomas Hovie

Oregon National Guard Participates in Vigilant Guard, Part 2

Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Office

May 2, 2012 | 7:39

Oregon Guardsmen participating in Exercise Vigilant Guard. The video shows emergency evacuations being conducted at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field, in Eugene, Oregon. This training will better prepare first responders in this area for the 2012 Olympic Trials being held at this location this summer. Casualties are evacuated by Black Hawk helicopters and by ambulance to a collection point for further medical attention. This training is part of an emergency response exercise named Vigilant Guard conducted by multiple agencies across the state as well as National Guard representatives for other western states. Oregon was selected to participate in the exercise by the Department of Homeland Defense. Soundbites from 1st Lt. Mark Timmons. Video by Master Sgt. Tom Hovie, Office of Public Affairs Oregon National Guard.