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 Sarah Hoover

AFA Air, Space and Cyber Conference D.C. 2024

175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard

Sept. 18, 2024 | 0:59

Members of the Maryland Air National Guard, 175th Civil Engineer Squadron, speak with community and military leaders at an AFWERX Spark Refinery booth during the Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, Oxon Hill, Maryland, September 18, 2024. As part of the 3D Robotic Concrete Printing Team, they discussed the potential impact of the implementation of 3D concrete printing for future military missions.