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 Senior Airman Kailey Hoover

Building partnerships through Professional Military Education

I.G. Brown Training and Education Center

March 5, 2025 | 2:08

Service members from partnered nations are strengthening forces at the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center for the first time ever. Members from the country of Benin and state of North Dakota came together for a unique opportunity in leadership development. North Dakota and the country of Benin are currently state partners.

This collaboration is part of the State Partnership Program, where service members from partnered nations' armed forces are trained to enhance leadership skills, share best practices, and improve their ability to manage resources and lead diverse teams.

Lankford EPME Center's hosting of students in State Partnership Programs allows its mission to evolve, staying ahead of global needs and setting a new standard for integrated military education. These future leaders are not only learning theory. They are engaging in vital connections that will strengthen operations between partner nations for years to come.

The leadership lessons taught at Lankford EPME Center are setting new boundaries. Service members from partner nations can now collaborate and share experiences. These moments will shape the future of military cooperation and enhance leadership in their respective forces.