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 Senior Airman Xaviera Stevens

The start of Silver Flag

118th Wing, Tennessee Air National Guard

March 17, 2025 | 3:58

U.S. Airmen assigned to bases across the military to include the 118th Wing, Tennessee Air National Guard, in-process and begin to train during the Silver Flag exercise at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 17, 2025. Silver Flag allowed Airmen to train on METs and METLs in a total force environment, with equipment and opportunity to collaborate not found at their home bases. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Senior Airman Xaviera Stevens)