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 Master Sgt. Jonathan D McCallum

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The Shoulders of Giants, 19th Special Operations Squadron Gunship Training Farewell 2025

492d Special Operations Wing

Oct. 15, 2025 | 9:59

The 19th Special Operations Squadron, 492nd Special Operations Wing, home to Air Force Special Operations Command's formal training of the AC-130 Gunship, commemorates and honors the achievements of the formal training unit and its history Oct. 17, 2025. Prior members of the 19th SOS and Gunship community share their stories of the training unit's growth through the years. The initial, formal training of the AC-130 Gunship will transition from Hurlburt Field, Florida, to Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, while active units will continue to train and operate at Hurlburt Field.