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 Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Hartman

GHWB Conducts Ammo Onload

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77)

April 16, 2022 | 5:55

220416-N-US256-1001 ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 16, 2022) The dry cargo ship USNS William Mclean (T-AKE 12) transits the Atlantic Ocean with the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during an ammunition onload, April 16, 2022. George H.W. Bush provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable, war fighting capability through the carrier strike group that maintains maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stuart Posada, Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan Hartman, and Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bayley Foster