Reoptimization for Great Power Competition

Reoptimization for Great Power Competition

Space Force Blue Background Graphic

 

 
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 Staff Sgt. Arbishua Rojas
11th Airborne Division executes Arctic airborne operations during JPMRC 26-02 in Alaska
11th Airborne Division
Feb. 18, 2026 | 1:53
U.S. Army soldiers assigned to 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Air Assault), 11th Airborne Division conduct field operations during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 26-02 (JPMRC) , Feb. 2026. The training event integrates multinational forces and builds combat readiness through realistic, high-intensity scenarios. (U.S. Army video by SSG Arbishua Rojas)
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Air Force Great Power Competition

 

 

 
Department of the Air Force