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 Staff Sgt. Erin Mills

Humanitarian Aid Air Drop News Story

United States Air Forces Central

Aug. 31, 2014 | 2:33

News story about an aircrew from the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron working with aerial porters from the
8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron pushing and loading containment delivery systems filled with fresh drinking water onto a C-17. Soldiers from Fort Bragg, North Carolina,11th Quartermaster Company, 26th Combat
Sustainment Support Battalion, 82nd Sustainment Brigade rig containment delivery systems filled with halal
meals ready to eat for a humanitarian aid air drop near Amirli, Iraq August 31, 2014. 10,545 gallons of water and 7,056 Halal MRE's were delivered. Interviews: SSgt Erin Mills, Aerial Broadcaster, AFCENT Public Affairs;
Col. Christopher Colbert, Operations Group Commander, 385th Air Expeditionary Group; SPC Donald East, Parachute Rigger, 11th Quartermaster Company; Capt. Rachael Deroche, Aircraft Commander, 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron; SPC Robert Tayolr, Parachute Rigger, 11th Quartermaster Company; SrA Paul Maginnis, Loadmaster, 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. Also available in high definition.