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 Kristin Behrle, Corum Byers

STEM Boot Camp Empowers the Next Generation of Navy Professionals at Carderock

Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division

July 8, 2024 | 1:00

Students from four Maryland schools participated in the second annual STEM Boot Camp at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division from July 8-12, 2024. Hosted in partnership with organizations like the Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM, students spent the week solving engineering challenges, building SeaGlides—autonomous underwater vehicles—and gaining hands-on experience in robotics, soldering, and coding. Guided by Carderock experts like Charlotte George and Jeff Campana, students not only developed engineering skills but also learned about STEM career opportunities and internships with the U.S. Navy. Teachers, too, benefitted from the immersive, hands-on experience, gaining valuable tools to inspire the next generation of engineers.