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 Tech. Sgt. Eugene Crist

West Virginia National Guard to honor dignified arrival and funeral of WWII veteran 2nd Lt. Clarence Dragoo

130th Airlift Wing

Oct. 11, 2017 | 1:39

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia National Guard will be providing an honor guard detail for the dignified arrival and funeral of World War II veteran 2nd Lt. Clarence Dragoo.

Dragoo, a Sandyville, W.Va. resident, was an Army Air Forces navigator on a B-24J Liberator assigned to the 716th Bomber Squadron, 449th Bombardment Group during World War II. He, along with 10 other crew members, died Feb. 28, 1945 when their aircraft crashed in route to a rally point following a bombing run in Italy. His remains were discovered recently off the coast of Grado, Italy and will be returned home to his family Oct. 11, 2017.

“This is just another example of the sworn pact among military men and women to never leave a fallen comrade behind. The West Virginia National Guard is honored to provide full military honors for 2nd Lt. Clarence Dragoo and his family,” said Brig. Gen. Harrison B. Gilliam, Director of the Joint Staff for the WVNG. “We have a proud legacy of service to our Nation in West Virginia and the men and women who serve today derive their commitment to service from individuals such as 2nd Lt. Dragoo, who fought valiantly for our country in World War II and whose memories and service are never forgotten.”

Dragoo will be laid to rest Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017 in Sandyville, W.Va. Funeral arrangements are courtesy of the Waybright Funeral Home of Ripley, W.Va..
For more information, contact the West Virginia National Guard Public Affairs Office at: (304) 561-6762 or email:
holli.r.nelson.mil@mail.mil