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 Petty Officer 3rd Class Daniel Zink

Sailors On Land at Camp Rocky for Talisman Sabre 2019

Navy Reserve - Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

July 24, 2019 | 2:03

Yeoman 2nd Class Andrew Thompson, administrative assistant, assigned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Heysen Paredes, financial manager, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 at Camp Rocky, Queensland, Australia, July 24, 2019. Talisman Saber is a bilateral combined exercise designed to train respective military services in planning and conducting Combined and Joint Task Force operations, and improve the combat readiness and interoperability between Australian and US forces. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel L. Zink)