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 Lu Maheda

Naco, AZ Border Fence Replacement Complete

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Public Affairs - Visual Communications Division

May 9, 2017 | 1:56

TUCSON, Ariz. – Construction crews installed the final border fence panel earlier today, completing the replacement of an estimated 7.5 miles of outdated primary pedestrian fencing along the U.S-Mexico border near Arizona’s Naco Port of Entry.

Plans for the replacement fencing began four years ago, and funding was approved last year as part of the 2016 fiscal budget. The overall project, which includes replacement fencing, road improvements, and improvements to low water crossings, is expected to be completed next month.

The replacement fence creates greater impedance to illegal crossings, and improves situational awareness of illicit activities along the immediate border.

Of the 262 linear miles of border patrolled by Tucson Sector agents, approximately 210 miles have some type of pedestrian or vehicle barrier.