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 Eugen Warkentin

Saber Strike 2018, Battlefield Circulation

Training Support Activity Europe

June 6, 2018 | 3:19

INOWROCLAW, Poland - U.S. Army Europe Deputy Commanding General Maj. General Timothy McGuire conducts Battlefield Circulation with 12th Combat Aviation Brigade (12th CAB) during Saber Strike 18 preparation at Inowroclaw Military Airfield, June 6, 2018. Saber Strike, a long-standing U.S. Army Europe-led integrated training exercise, helps facilitate cooperation amongst the U.S., Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and other East-European countries. After the conference with the commanding officers of 12th CAB, Col. Kenneth Cole, Lt. Col. John Morris, Maj. General Timothy McGuire met the outstanding Soldiers of the Brigade and presented them coins as a sign of recognition for their service. (U.S. Army video by Visual Information Specialist Eugen Warkentin)