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 Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot

Bret Michaels visits Iowa Air National Guard prior to Sioux City concert

185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard

Nov. 7, 2019 | 2:15

Musician Bret Michaels visited the Iowa Air National Guard’s 185th Air Refueling Wing prior to his performance in Sioux City over the Veterans Day weekend. The Sioux City, Iowa event is part of Michaels’ “Hometown Heroes” tour where he and his band are performing several back to back concerts in America’s heartland over the Veterans Day weekend.

Michaels said he chose Sioux City as one of five Veterans Day weekend stops as part of his Hometown Heroes tour because of the areas commitment to veterans and those still serving.

At each of his concerts Michaels has been inviting local heroes on stage in order to honor them during the show. Many of the people being honored on stage are veterans but the tour also selects first responders, teachers and “people who are making a difference in their communities,” Michaels said.

Michaels’ whirlwind “Hometown Heroes” tour began in Casper, Wyo. on November 6, with a show in Sioux City on Friday. Before the weekend is over the tour will make stops in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Independence, Mo. and culminate in Park City Kan. on Veterans Day November 11.

Lower thirds:

Bret Michaels
Musician