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 Senior Airman Delaney Gonzales, Staff Sgt. Daniel Herman

Coalition Aircraft Destroy ISIS Tunnel and Cave Complex

Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve

April 29, 2020 | 0:51

SOUTHWEST ASIA – Coalition forces conducted airstrikes on Daesh fighters hiding in 10 caves across the Hamrin Mountains, Iraq, April 29, 2020.

The Hamrin Mountains are a known Daesh safe haven with intricate tunnel and cave systems used to smuggle weapons, facilitate senior leader movements and plot terrorist attacks in the region. Daesh senior leaders and their operatives have used the rugged mountains as one of their last remaining operating areas in Iraq.

“The presence of Daesh in Iraq continues to diminish, thanks to the efforts and sacrifices of our Iraqi partner forces,” said Maj Gen. Eric Hill, commanding general, Special Operations Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve. “Strikes like these help our Iraqi partners maintain relentless pressure on the Daesh scourge, no matter where these terrorists hide.”

Removing Daesh fighters and mid-level operatives from the battlefield further degrades their ability to resurge and plot terrorist attacks against innocent civilians, our Iraqi partners, and Coalition troops.

The airstrikes were conducted in coordination with the Government of Iraq. After the strikes, the 14th Iraqi Army Division and security forces found ISIS documents, electronic devices, and fragments of weapons and other equipment. The ground search continues; much of the cave complex is inaccessible, post-strike. Initial estimates are 5-10 Daesh fighters were killed; this number may be revised based on follow-on searches.

The Coalition and Iraqi security partners will continue to target and pursue Daesh fighters across Iraq. The Coalition and our partners remain committed to the defeat of ISIS in Iraq. (Courtesy video)