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 Marisa Gaona, Desiree Kapler

Delivering Efficient and Economic Dam Safety Monitoring with Fully Grouted Vibrating Wire Piezometers (Unbranded)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center

June 17, 2024 | 4:46

Researchers at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) are working in support of ERDC’s Flood and Coastal Risk Management Program to better inform efficient and economic dam safety monitoring by studying how the use of fully grouted vibrating wire piezometers compares to traditional methods.

The geotechnical community has promoted fully grouted vibrating wire piezometer installations over conventional piezometers because of their ability to successfully monitor multiple zones within the same borehole. This method also requires fewer drilled holes, resulting in a reduced overall drilling cost.

To accomplish their data collection, ERDC researchers worked in collaboration with the USACE Nashville District, which provided the test site, and the USACE Savannah District, which provided drilling equipment and expertise.