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 Kevin Denter

Portraits in Courage - William Pitsenbarger

Air Force Profession of Arms Center of Excellence

Nov. 10, 2016 | 4:23

Tribute to a legendary airman who gave his last full measure in Vietnam and this video is designed to inspire airmen through stories of Air Force heritage linked to current real-world Air Force operations. The video is narrated by Master Sergeant Rusty Sawyer, a first sergeant for the 342nd Air Force Recruiting Squadron at JBSA-Lackland, the video reinforces that our Air Force Core Value, selflessness, is caring more about duty than glory. “Pits wasn’t a man who died the right way; this was a man who lived the right way. By living the Core Values.”