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 Spc. Jonathan Vitale

Operation Combined Victory: Training for tomorrow’s fight

Security Force Assistance Command

Feb. 28, 2024 | 2:30

Security Force Assistance Command held the second iteration of its validation exercise, Operation Combined Victory, for three of our forward-deploying SFABs; 1st, 2nd and 54th SFAB, which is a unit within the Indiana National Guard.

The joint exercise took place at the Indiana National Guard's Camp Atterbury and one of the nation's premier training facilities, Muscatatuck Training Center, and incorporated joint operations with U.S. Air Force Advisors to simulate their role in large scale combat operations.

OCV provided a realistic scenario that stressed decision-making in an everchanging operational and information environment, testing Advisors' ability to assess, support, liaise, and advise a replicated partner force in conflict. The exercise utilized one of the best urban training environments available to US forces and enabled joint training that replicates threats associated with current theaters of operation.

For more information on America's Army Advisors and to volunteer, go to www.army.mil/sfab

(U.S. Army video by Spc. Jonathan D. Vitale)