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 Petty Officer 2nd Class James Hong

NCHB 1 and Danish Navy load missiles

Commander Task Force 68

May 31, 2024 | 1:12

NAVAL BASE KORSØR, Denmark (May 31, 2024) - U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to Naval Cargo Handling Battalion (NCHB) 1 and Royal Danish Navy sailors assigned to the Danish Missile Maintenance Facility load an inert missile canister into the vertical launching system aboard the Royal Danish Navy Ivar Huitfeldt-class frigate HDMS Peter Willemoes (F362) during a missile onload exercise onboard Naval Base Korsør, Denmark, May 31, 2024, as part of the Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 24 exercise. BALTOPS is an annual joint, multinational maritime-focused exercise led by the United States and executed by NATO. It is designed to enhance interoperability, capability, and demonstrate cohesion among Allied and partner forces in maintaining freedom of navigation and defending the Baltic Sea region. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James S. Hong)