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. Hugo Delgado

AFN Okinawa Pacific Spotlight - CW2 DJ Holcomb

AFN Okinawa

Aug. 16, 2019 | 0:21

CW2 DJ Holcomb was part of Maritime Training Activity Malaysia 2019, and participated in a Damage Control Live Flood Simulation. This training allows service members to experience a simulated flooding while at sea. This year's MTA marks the first time that the U.S. Coast Guard participates.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 DJ Holcomb - Live Flood Simulation Participant

MTA Malaysia 2019 marks 25 years of maritime engagement between the U.S. and Malaysia. The exercise is held in Lumut and is designed to address shared maritime security concerns and priorities, enhance capacity and interoperability, and develop relationships between participating forces.

MTA Malaysia features U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (CG 54), littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), Safeguard-class salvage ship USNS Salvor, expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Millinocket (T-EPF 3), Mobile Dive and Salvage Unit 1, Naval Criminal Investigative Services Security Training and Assessment Team, an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter, and an MH-65 Eurocopter. In addition, the U.S. will be supported by USMC, MDSU and C7F Band.