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 Monique Freemon

Welder and brazer Qualification Tests

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Far East District

Jan. 29, 2026 | 2:54

On Jan. 30, 2026, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Far East District’s Mr. Shin, Chang, Engineering Technician for the Quality Assurance Branch (QAB) led a welder and brazer qualification tests for a $43 million satellite communication building at Camp Humphreys, South Korea. Candidates welded thick pipes using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), a process that joins metal with a hot tungsten tip and gas to make a clean, precise weld and brazed 3 inch copper pipes in horizontal and vertical uphill positions, showing they could work in any orientation. The brazing required heating the pipes to about 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. After visual inspection, samples were tested by bending, X-ray, cutting and peeling to confirm joint strength, qualifying the workers, and certifying the welding and brazing processes. Additionally, to recertify for individuals who failed to meet acceptable performance standards or who demonstrated an inability to continue the same welding or brazing process for more than six months. (U.S. Army video by Monique Freemon)