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 John Berezich

205th RTI OCS Phase III Graduation 2024

Joint Force Headquarters - Washington National Guard

Aug. 2, 2024 | 21:18

The 205th Regimental Training Institute hosted the Officer Candidate School (OCS) phase III graduation ceremony for class 24001. The ceremony took place at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. on Aug. 2, 2024. The official party was Lt. Col Joshua J. Dailey, Commander of the 2nd Battalion, 205th Regiment and Lt. Col. Nichole E. Yerbich-Inskeep, Kansas National Guard, camp commander of OCS Phase III 24001. Officer candidates from eight states were represented on the field for completing OCS phase III. The third phase of OCS is designed to train and develop leadership to evaluate officer potential. This ceremony marks the culmination of 15 days of rigorous and intensive training that tested these officer candidates’ leadership, abilities and potential to be Army officers. Maj. Andrew J. Paulson, 81st SBCT Brigade Chaplain, provided the invocation. The music was performed by members of the133d Washington Army National Guard band. Brig. Gen. Paul T. Sellers, commanding general of the Washington Army National Guard, recognized officer candidates for completing OCS phase III.