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 Sgt. Malik Retemiah

3rd Platoon conducts squad STX and live-fire training during Warrior Forge at Fort Pickett

3d U.S. Infantry Regiment "The Old Guard"

Feb. 18, 2026 | 1:24

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Platoon, Echo Company, 4th Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment “The Old Guard,” conduct squad situational training exercises and a platoon live-fire lane during Warrior Forge at Fort Pickett, Virginia, Feb. 17–20, 2026. The training focuses on small-unit maneuver, communication, and disciplined weapons handling to build platoon-level readiness and leader development. Warrior Forge prepares Soldiers to execute missions through realistic training and collective task proficiency. (U.S. Army video by Staff Sgt. Malik Retemiah)