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 James Kever

BLUE: Climate Action Plan

Defense Media Activity - Air Force

Nov. 8, 2023 | 10:48

The Air Force has a problem, and national security is at risk. But it’s not a near-peer adversary or some cutting-edge technology that’s got the attention of the top brass … it’s the climate. Natural disasters are unpredictable and devastating. They take out power grids, leaving military bases vulnerable and unable to support and defend according to mission requirements. How is the Air Force addressing this? The Climate Action Plan – guidance from the Secretary of the Air Force that describes a three-pronged approach to addressing climate change: increase capabilities, reduce emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The ultimate goal is to get everyone on board, from Airmen to commanders to policymakers, to becoming what’s known as a climate-informed workforce – where decisions on how to conduct day-to-day Air Force operations are made from the perspective of the Climate Action Plan.