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 Senior Airman Camerron Niewoehner, Sgt. Willie Reese IV

Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery ceremony 2023

Regional Media Center AFN Europe

May 28, 2023 | 1:00

U.S. Air Force Chaplain Lt. Col. Jason T. Klodnicki, Deputy Command Chaplain for the United States Air Forces Europe-Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Navy Adm. Stuart B. Munsch, commander for the U.S. Naval Forces Europe – Africa and Allied Joint Force Command Naples, provide remarks during the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery ceremony in Romagne-sous-Montfaucon, France, May 28, 2023. Admirals from the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, U.S. Sixth Fleet, and Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central traveled throughout Europe visiting American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries to honor the lives and legacies of fallen U.S. and Allied service members who paid the ultimate price through servicing their countries. Headquarters in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.