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 Staff Sgt. Austin Berner

75TH ANNIVERSARY OF OPERATION MARKET GARDEN AIRBORNE JUMP

982nd Signal Company (Combat Camera) (Airborne)

Sept. 18, 2019 | 1:35

A group of U.S. Army and International Paratroopers conduct an Airborne Jump into Ginkelse Heide and Groesbeek Drop Zone to commemorate the World War II veterans during the 75th Anniversary of Market Garden, Arnhem, Netherlands., September 18, 2019. These current Paratroopers are honoring the memories of the Paratroopers from all Allied Nations that participated in the jump in September 1944, as part of Operation Market Garden, the largest Airborne operation in the history of Warfare. (U.S. Army Reserve video by Staff Sgt. Austin Berner)