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 Airman 1st Class Sierra Casteel

48th FW F-35 Integrated Combat Turn- TSgt Rosales Carr Interview

48th Fighter Wing

July 30, 2025 | 1:31

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brett Rosales Carr, 48th Maintenance Group weapons standardization loading standardization crew chief, discusses the planning process and outcomes of the first Integrated Combat Turn completed on an F-35A Lightning II aircraft at RAF Lakenheath, England, July 22, 2025. An ICT is a mission-essential skill that Airmen across aircraft maintenance career fields are trained and certified in, to efficiently reload weapons and refuel an aircraft with its engines running, ensuring the aircraft is ready to return to a combat environment. (U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Sierra Casteel)