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 Sgt. Yvonne Iwae

Radio Reconnaissance Signals Intelligence teardown | 3rd Radio Battalion

III MEF Information Group

April 5, 2024 | 1:28

U.S. Marine Radio Reconnaissance Operator Course students participate in an intelligence collection operation at Bellows Air Force Station, Hawaii on April 5, 2024. The operation served to test the radio reconnaissance Marines’ ability to intercept the simulated opposing force’s communication signals and collect intelligence in the preliminary phase of exercise Corvus Dawn 24 battalion operations. CD24 rehearsed and refined 3rd Radio Battalion's ability to provide technical information related capabilities to III MEF and the joint and multi-national force throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Yvonne Iwae)