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 Sgt. Jamie Arzola

Sgt. Edgar Harrell | USS Indianapolis Survivor

Communication Directorate

Aug. 10, 2018 | 10:49

Cpl Edgar Harrell was stationed aboard the USS Indianapolis during WWII. He was promoted July 29th but couldn't pin on the rank until the ship arrived at the Philippines. But on July 30th, the ship was struck by two Japanese torpedoes, stranding 900 men at sea. The next four and a half days just under 600 men would die from dehydration, hypothermia, shark attacks and saltwater poisoning. Now, 73 years later, due to the efforts of Capt. Scott Montefusco of the Utah Military Organization, Harrell was finally promoted to the rank of sergeant. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Jamie Arzola). For a descriptive transcript text document of this production, contact Kim Hardison at Kimberly.hardison@usmc.mil.