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 Staff Sgt. Christopher Jelle

Rising Thunder 18 Urban Live Fire Range rehearsals - B-Roll

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Sept. 7, 2018 | 4:25

Rising Thunder 18 Urban Live Fire Range rehearsals - B-Roll
Date: 7 September 2018
Producer: SSG Christopher Jelle
Producing Unit: 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Location: Yakima Training Center, Washington
Unit Shown: 1st Infantry Regiment, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division
Summary: Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division practice a bi-lateral movement clearing a simulated village along with japanese Soldiers from 1st Infantry Regiment, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force during an urban live fire range rehearsal as part of Exercise Rising Thunder 18 at Yakima Training Center, Washington, Sept. 7. Both units conducted group reviews after each reahearsal in order to improve communications, tactics, and capabilities before conducting the levent using live ammunition
Urban areas present some of the most complex battlefield environments found in modern warfare. Training with our partners improves our readiness and ability to work together in any situation.
Approximately 700 U.S. Service Members and 300 Japanese Soldiers will participate in Rising Thunder 2018.