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 Kristin Behrle

Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) Intern John Fletcher

Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division

Aug. 1, 2024 | 4:08

John Fletcher, a high school student at Northwest High School in Germantown, Md., speaks about experience as a Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) intern at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division's Center for Innovation in Ship Design. SEAP provides an opportunity for high school students to participate in research at a Department of Navy laboratory during eight weeks over the summer. Carderock fosters a fun, one-of-a-kind work atmosphere where brilliant minds can flourish and push the limits of the possible. Carderock also houses some of the nation's most advanced facilities for research, development, testing, and evaluation. These resources, spread across its headquarters, sites and detachments, give the Navy a clear edge in creating the next generation of surface ships and submarines. (U.S. Navy video by Kristin Behrle)