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 Cpl. Theodore Bergan

U.S. Marines Kick in Doors, Refine UrbanTactics during Eager Lion '15 (B-Roll)

Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade

May 13, 2015 | 2:42

U.S. Marines with I Co. 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command conduct Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) at King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center during a non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) exercise conducted as part of Exercise Eager Lion, in Amman, Jordan, May 12-17, 2015. Eager Lion is a recurring multinational exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability between partner nations and enhances regional security and stability. Includes interview with Sgt. James Horton. (U.S. Marine Corps motion imagery by Cpl. Theodore N. Bergan/ Released)