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 Airman 1st Class Rachel Maxwell

315th Weapons Squadron Activation

Nellis Air Force Base

March 2, 2012 | 1:21

Description: March 2nd marks the activation of the United Stated Air Force Weapons School's newest addition, the 315th Weapons Squadron. Available in High Definition. (A1C Rachel Maxwell - Broadcaster, 99 ABW PA) Friday March second marked the beginning of a new squadron on Nellis Air Force Base. Many gathered to witness the activation of the United States Air Force Weapons School's newest addition, the 315th Weapons Squadron. (Maj Shaine Thrower - Operations Officer, 315th WPS) The 315th Weapons Squadron is a weapons squadron within the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, with a weapons instructor course that is the ICBM WIC, the Intercontinental Ballistic Missle Weapons Instructor Course. With a demanding syllabus, the extensive five and a half month course will train future weapons officers. (Lt Col Jason Seyer - Commander, 315th WPS) We produce ICBM weapons officers who go back to Global Strike Command or 20th Air Force and help intigrate not only operations, but maintenance, Security Forces, communications. That's the end-state, and that's what we hope to achieve. The 315th became the 18th squadron to be integrated into the Air Force Weapons School. Airman First Class Rachel Maxwell, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Available in High Definition.