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 Lance Cpl. Phuchung Nguyen, Staff Sgt. Bryan Nygaard

2018 Battles Won Academy (Day 1)

Marine Corps Recruiting Command

July 12, 2018 | 4:56

Day one of the 2018 Battles Won Academy in Washington D.C., July 12, 2018. Footage includes Semper Fidelis All-Americanas checking in to their hotel and registering for the event, welcome address featuring Silver Star recipient and Battles Won Academy program ambassador Verice Bennett, Marine veteran turned actor J.W. Cortes, and Sgt. Maj. Mike Lanpolsaen, sergeant major of Marine Corps Recruiting Command.

The Battles Won Academy is a part of the Marine Corps’ Semper Fidelis All-American Program, which recognizes young men and women who excel in athletics, but have also shown themselves to be leaders in the classroom and in their hometowns. Nearly 100 high school student-athletes attended the academy, which focused on developing their self-confidence, discipline, teamwork, and honing the fighting spirit that embodies the Marine Corps.