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 Spc. Kyle Kimble

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U.S., PAF soldiers execute bilateral live-fire training during Salaknib 26

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

April 17, 2026 | 4:13

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, conduct an artillery live-fire exercise alongside Philippine Soldiers as part of Salaknib 2026 at Fort Magsaysay Combat Readiness Training Area, Canantong, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, April 16-17, 2026. Soldiers fired artillery alongside Philippine Army soldiers assigned to the Army Artillery "King of Battle" Regiment for a bilateral artillery live-fire event. Salaknib is an annual exercise designed to enhance interoperability and strengthen relationships between partner nations. (U.S. Army video by Spc. Kyle Kimble)

[0:00-00:40]
Night-time preparations of M119A3 howitzer.

[0:40-2:11]
Daytime preparations of M119A3 howitzer.

[2:11-3:30]
Live fire exercise.

[2:53-3:11]
Gregorio Catapang Jr. (right), retired 45th chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, fires the M119A3 Howitzer.

[3:12-3:42]
U.S. Soldiers receive the “King of Battle” tab. Artillery is commonly referred to as the king of battle.

[3:16-3:23]
U.S. Army Cpt. Colleen Gargiulo, company commander of Bravo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, and Philippine soldiers fire a 105mm Italian pack howitzer.

[3:42-4:13]
U.S. Soldiers and Philippine Soldiers group photo.