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 Thomas Webster

Operational Washdown & Agricultural Inspection Training Video

Visual Information Directorate-NMLPDC

Aug. 2, 2023 | 20:50

Operational washdown and agricultural inspection procedures help to ensure all biological materials are completely removed before transport in the US and abroad.

This video does the following for Navy & Marine Corps Commands:
• Defines why it’s critical to properly clean equipment and conveyances, removing any biological materials, before transport.
• Describes the steps to plan and prepare for washdown, including required equipment.
• Demonstrate the washdown process step by step, with focus on common problem areas.
• Explain the agricultural inspections required after washdown is complete.
• Provide resources and points-of-contact for additional information.

The US Navy and Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, NECE, follow several Department of Defense policies, instructions and manuals for the control of pests and invasive species. Guidance for recommended procedures to prevent introduction of invasive species is summarized in the Armed Forces Pest Management Board’s Technical Guide 31 and its supplements. Navy and DoD instructions, policies, US regulations, and other service specific instructions, referenced in the video, should be reviewed and followed in conjunction with this video. This video is separated in the following 5 Modules:

• Module 1: Introduction & Overview
• Module 2: Planning & Preparation
• Module 3: Washdown Process
• Module 4: Actions & Inspection After Washdown
• Module 5: Resources

For questions or comments concerning this training, please contact the Navy Entomology Center of Excellence (NECE). NECE offers additional information and training and has a website with additional technical information, https://www.med.navy.mil/Navy-and-Marine-Corps-Force-Health-Protection-Command/Field-Activities/Navy-Entomology-Center-of-Excellence/.