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 Leon Roberts

Birdwell recalls Cordell Hull Dam history

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District

Oct. 5, 2017 | 10:50

Oral History: Walter Glenn Birdwell, chief executive officer at Citizens Bank in Carthage, Tenn., shares his personal experiences with the construction of Cordell Hull Dam at Cumberland River mile 313.5., a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District project. Birdwell served as chairman of the Smith County Industrial Development Committee when the dam construction began, and was present at the location of the dam May 18, 1963 when President John F. Kennedy pressed a button for the Cordell Hull Dam Groundbreaking at Vanderbilt University's Dudley Stadium, which set off a ceremonial first blast at the construction site. Construction began in May 1963; the dam was completed in November 1973. Birdwell spoke about his experiences during a visit to the dam Oct. 5, 2017. (Video by Leon Roberts)