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 Lance Cpl. Kevin Seidensticker

7th Engineer Support Battalion arrive for firefighting operations in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest

National Interagency Fire Center

Oct. 7, 2020 | 2:27

U.S. Marines and Sailors assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, arrive in Beegum, Calif. to conduct wild land firefighting operations with National Interagency Fire Center personnel in support of the August Complex Fire in the Mendocino and Shasta-Trinity National Forest Oct. 07, 2020. Approximately 250 Marines and sailors from 7th ESB are helping fight the fire in Northern California. Through U.S. Army North, U.S. Northern Command remains committed to providing flexible Department of Defense support to the NIFC to respond quickly and effectively to protect people, property, and public lands. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Kevin N. Seidensticker)