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 Jan Valle

Airfield Damage Repair exercise at Moron Air Base, Spain Interview: 1st Lt Elena Reyes

Regional Media Center AFN Europe

Feb. 6, 2025 | 4:15

1st Lt Elena Reyes, 786th Civil Engineering Squadron, Civil Engineering Officer, speaks on the importance of the Airfield Damage Repair exercise on Moron Air Base, Spain, from Feb. 1st to 8th, 2025. The U.S., Spain and Portugal collaborated on a multinational interoperability event, prioritizing airfield damage repair. The initiative emphasized knowledge-sharing and mutual learning among the nations, aiming to boost interoperability and foster increased trust. Through this multinational effort, the participating countries enhanced their collective capabilities in addressing critical airfield challenges. This event included classroom Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) mat training, US Airfield Damage Repair vehicle familiarizations, and crater repairs by combined forces from all nations. (U.S. Air Force video by Senior Airman Jan Valle)