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 Daisuke Sato

Camp Zama community members make kites with Sagamihara Giant Kite Preservation Association

U.S. Army Garrison - Japan

April 6, 2022 | 3:30

Narration:
Japanese paper, bamboo sticks and string—those few materials are all that were needed for community members to make traditional Japanese kites during an event held April 2nd at Sagamihara Family Housing Area in collaboration with the Sagami Giant Kite Preservation Association.

Interview: Sabrina Tsai, Manager, Arts and Crafts Center, Camp Zama MWR

Narration:
During the event, kite-making professionals from the association explained the process step by step for how to make the kites. They assisted the attendees with some of the more intricate steps in order to build a good, flyable kite. After the building process, it was time to fly the kites. The participants moved outside and used the wind to get their creations up in the air.

Interview: The Nelson Family

Interview: Katsiaryna and Valentina Quandt

Interview: Katsushige Kawasaki, Chairman, Sagami Giant Kite Preservation Association

Interview: Katsushige Kawasaki, Chairman, Giant Kite Preservation Association
It was great to see children running around on such a beautiful day and trying to fly the kites they made with their parents. I think this was a great event.

Narration:
At the end of the event, Sagami Giant Kite Preservation Association members, along with the participants, got to fly a 1.8-square-meter kite that Sagamihara City had donated to the Camp Zama community. On the kite was written the kanji character “Taishi,” which means “ambition” or one’s aim in life. The red color represents the sun, while the green represents the earth.

Interview: Kentaro Motomura, Mayor, Sagamihara City
It was great that today’s event allowed members of U.S. Army Japan and our fabulous Sagami Giant Kite Preservation Association to collaborate and make Japanese kites together.
I talked to Col. Tomlinson about possibly continuing this event next year. We would like to continue building our great relationship through culture and art.

Interview: COL Christopher Tomlinson, Commander, U.S. Army Garrison Japan

Narration:
Reporting for U.S. Army Garrison Japan Public Affairs, this is XXXXXXX.