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 Airman 1st Class Elias Carrero

The Summit 2023 Ep 2

56th Fighter Wing

Aug. 2, 2023 | 2:08

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Elias Carrero, 56th Fighter Wing public affairs specialist, shares his experience during a visit to the Air Force Sergeant Association’s Summit 2023 conference, Aug. 7, 2023, in Dallas, Texas. On his second day at the conference, Carrero learns more about the development opportunities the Summit presents and AFSA, the organization behind the event. Throughout the series, Carrero uses interviews and personal anecdotes to explore the Summit 2023 conference and answers the questions of its importance and how it benefits Airmen. (U.S. Air Force Video by Airman 1st Class Elias Carrero)