Reoptimization for Great Power Competition

Reoptimization for Great Power Competition

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Department of the Air Force
 

 

 

 

“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 

Space Force & Air Force announce sweeping changes to maintain superiority amid Great Power Competition

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 Pfc. Jaidyn Moore
5-7 CAV and Estonian Soldiers Conduct Live-Fire Exercise (Hedgehog 25)
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
May 22, 2025 | 2:48
U.S. Soldiers assigned 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, conduct a live-fire training exercise in M2A4 Bradley Fighting Vehicles while training with Estonian soldiers during Exercise Hedgehog 25 near Camp Tapa, Estonia, May 22, 2025. Exercise Hedgehog 25 is a large-scale international military exercise led by the Estonian Defence Forces, focused on the rapid deployment of allied forces and the enhancement of multinational interoperability. During week two, 5-7 CAV conducted a live-fire exercise with M4 carbines, M240 machine guns, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wireless-guided (TOW) missile systems, reinforcing multinational interoperability and readiness through complex, realistic training. (U.S. Army video by Pfc. Jaidyn Moore)

-Shot list-
00;00;10;00 - 00;00;32;11 - Estonian soldiers shooting at range during live fire
00;00;32;11 - 00;00;38;06 - Six M2A4 Bradley’s are staged
00;00;38;06 - 00;00;50;22 - M2A4 Bradley’s driving to training area
00;00;50;22 - 00;01;06;12 - M2A4 Bradley’s firing
00;01;06;12 - 00;01;12;28 M2A4 Bradley’s leave training area
00;01;12;28 - 00;01;47;03 Interview of Spc. Sterling Maness
00;01;47;03 - 00;02;48;11 Interview of Sfc. Brody Gay
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Air Force Great Power Competition

 

 

 
Department of the Air Force