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. Enos Jimenez

DC M&RA testifies before Senate Armed Services Committee, highlights enduring manpower successes

HQMC Manpower and Reserve Affairs

April 9, 2025 | 3:27

Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte, deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs, delivers opening remarks before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Personnel, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C., April 9, 2025. During his testimony, Borgschulte underscored the Marine Corps’ unwavering commitment to lethality, warfighting excellence, and talent retention—ensuring combat-credible forces remain poised to meet global demands at a moment’s notice. He attributed the Corps’ continued success in recruiting and retaining tough, smart, and capable Marines to its disciplined culture, uncompromising standards, and deep sense of purpose. These qualities, he noted, not only sustain the Marine Corps’ legacy of excellence but also secure its future as a force ready to fight and win in the most challenging environments.