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 Jorge Gomez

The Badge & the Pre-Med

Irwin Army Community Hospital

May 13, 2025 | 3:00

SPC Cristian Nunez, a Biomedical Equipment Technician at Irwin Army Community Hospital, has his eyes set on something much bigger than a badge. He’s chasing a dream to become an Army doctor—and the Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) is a proving ground for that future. Nunez opens up about why this challenge matters to him, how it’s pushing him beyond his comfort zone, and what it means to be prepared to save lives on the battlefield.

The EFMB is one of the Army’s most prestigious and difficult individual skill badges, awarded to those who demonstrate exceptional competence in tactical medical and Soldier skills. Candidates are tested on land navigation, casualty care under fire, medical evacuation techniques, and must endure grueling physical and mental trials. Historically, fewer than 1 in 3 candidates earn the badge, with pass rates ranging from 18 to 33 percent.

Watch as SPC Nunez carries more than gear—he carries a vision for the future.