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 Billy Blankenship, Tech. Sgt. Renee Crugnale, Sgt. 1st Class William Frye, Sgt. Paris Hayes, Capt. Stephen Peter, Tech. Sgt. Melissa Sterling

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260th Special Purpose Brigade

Joint Task Force DC

Feb. 25, 2026 | 1:24

WASHINGTON — The 260th Special Purpose Brigade, comprised of highly trained and specialized Soldiers in the Army National Guard, provides unique, mission-tailored support to the Nation’s Capital in coordination with civil authorities. Their presence reinforces public safety, protects critical infrastructure and helps maintain a safe and beautiful city in support of national security objectives.
(U.S. National Guard video by Joint Task Force D.C.'s Joint Information Center; key contributors include Air National Guard Master Sgt. William Blankenship, Tech. Sgt. Renee Crugnale, Tech. Sgt. Melissa Sterling, U.S. Army National Guard Maj. Joshua Sik, Capt. Stephen Peter, Sgt. 1st Class William Frye, Sgt. 1st Class Laura Torres, Sgt. Angelina Tran, Sgt. Paris Hayes and Command Sgt. Maj. Scott McKennen.)