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 Pfc. Daely Goodwin

SETAF-AF Africa Soldiers maintain marksmanship readiness

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

Sept. 10, 2024 | 1:18

U.S. Army Soldiers with U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), practice with the simulated M4 Carbine for the Army marksmanship qualification at the educational and training services range at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Sept. 10, 2024. Maintaining familiarization and qualifying on assigned weapons annually helps soldiers stay ready to defend themselves in combat. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Daely Goodwin)

(00:00:00) CLOSE SHOT: Soldier explains firing positions
(00:00:07) CLOSE SHOT: Soldier explains the CCO
(00:00:16) CLOSE SHOT: Target is pulled in for examination
(00:00:22) MED SHOT: Soldier takes down their target
(00:00:29) CLOSE SHOT: Soldier examines the paper
(00:00:35) CLOSE SHOT: Soldier marks the hits on the paper
(00:00:42) MED SHOT: Soldiers watch as the target moves forward
(00:00:49) CLOSE SHOT: Soldier fires their weapon
(00:00:55) MED SHOT: Soldier zeroes the weapon
(00:01:01) MED SHOT: Soldiers examine target
(00:01:07) MED SHOT: Soldier explains the pattern of hits on the target
(00:01:12) CLOSE SHOT: Soldier fires their weapon