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. Thomas Moeger

Ohio National Guard Soldier’s mission to help fellow veterans was driving force behind PACT Act (No GFX)

Ohio National Guard Public Affairs

May 27, 2024 | 6:34

Ten years after an overseas deployment, Sgt. 1st Class Heath Robinson, a combat medic in the Ohio Army National Guard, developed a rare autoimmune disease and lung cancer from toxic burn pit exposure. While enduring his own illness, Robinson and his family helped lead advocacy efforts for veterans who suffered similar conditions and were not receiving adequate health care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Three years after being diagnosed, Robinson died at age 39, leaving behind his wife, Danielle, and daughter, Brielle. His efforts and legacy continue to live on. On Aug. 2, 2022, Congress passed the Sgt. 1st Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which enables veterans who were exposed to toxic burn pits to receive health care through the VA. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Staff Sgt. Thomas Moeger, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs)

Interview 1: Danielle Robinson
Sgt. 1st Class Robinson’s wife

Interview 2: Command Sgt. Maj. Ty Henery
Robinson’s friend and fellow Ohio Army National Guard member