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. Mikaela Smith

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Best Squad: Day 5

Joint Base Langley-Eustis

March 20, 2026 | 4:11

U.S. Army 1-222d Aviation Regiment conducted its quarterly Best Squad Competition from 16–20 March 2026, a five day event designed to challenge Advanced Individual Training Soldiers through a series of physically demanding and mentally rigorous tasks that emphasized teamwork, decision making, and foundational leadership skills at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, March 20, 2026. This was the competition's final day culminated in a team event consisting of 300 hand release push-ups, a sandpit low crawl, a litter carry with Rescue Randy maintained throughout the event, 100 pull-ups, lunges, 300 rowers, tire flips, 300 air squats, and a one mile litter carry. Each task was completed as a squad, demanding sustained physical effort, mental toughness, and team cohesion. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mikaela Smith)