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 Master Sgt. Amber Monio

National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program spotlight

National Guard Bureau

Jan. 10, 2024 | 0:44

Since its inception in 1993, approximately 287,156 teens have enrolled in the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program, with more than 207,000 of those graduating – a 72-percent success rate. The program aims to get teenagers on track toward graduating from high school and on to a promising future. Today, there are 39 Youth ChalleNGe academies and eight Job ChalleNGe academies in 30 states and territories, with approximately 2,400 employees. Those who enroll in the program will first undergo a 22-week residential phase, which focuses on improving academic excellence, life skills, job skills, health and hygiene, responsible citizenship, service to the community, leadership/followership, and physical fitness. This is followed by a 12-month post-residential phase, where trained mentors support graduates in maintaining positive lifestyles. Mentors work with program participants after graduation to help enroll them in college, trade school, start a career, or join the military. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Amber Monio)