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 2nd Class Robert Price

Let's Go! Nara Park

AFN Sasebo

July 31, 2019 | 1:00

190731-N-FQ994-001 NARA, Japan (July 31, 2019) Nara Deer are considered a national treasure in Japan, messengers to the Shinto gods, and a symbol for the city of Nara where they live. More than 1200 of these wild deer roam the city and live in the surrounding forest that covers about 2 square miles. Tourists can spot these wild deer relaxing on temple grounds and in the gardens. Let’s Go! to the surrounding forest known as Nara Park to visit these famous wild deer!

These deer are also known as Kasuaga Taisha Shrine shinroku or ‘shrine deer’. This name dates back to ancient times when the legendary deity Takemikazuchi no Mikoto came to Nara by riding on a white deer. The name stuck and the deer have become protected by groups who closely monitor their diet and breeding season. These wild deer are actually peaceful, and have learned from tourists how to bow in a way to ask for food. Local vendors sell shika senbei or “deer crackers” which are safe and widely accepted to feed to our animal companions.

Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital, and still houses significant temples and artwork dating back to the 8th century. Located less than an hour away from Kyoto and Osaka by train, tourists also visit Nara to see famous sites like the Tōdai-ji temple, Bronze Buddha, and the Nara National Museum. Let’s Go! (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert S. Price/Released)