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 Tech. Sgt. Carl Clegg

Airmen Get Personal with their Neighbors While Staffing a Hurricane Sandy Shelter

108th Wing

Nov. 2, 2012 | 5:29

Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on the lives of millions of people, forcing many away from the homes they love and into a shelter at Monmouth University in Monmouth, New Jersey. Members of the 108th Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard are tasked with staffing the Hurricane Sandy shelter at Monmouth University in Monmouth, NJ. To say that they check people in or hand out cots would be a disservice to these Minuteman volunteers who have sacrificed time away from their loved ones to give their heart and soul to their community. The Airmen quickly developed a bond with many of the displaced residents and made their stay at the shelter just a little bit better. Many of the residents still don’t know if they have a house to go back to or what kind of damage it may have sustained. The National Guard has transitioned to a State Active Duty Joint Task Force with more than 1,100 Airmen and Soldiers. More than 450 high-water vehicles including Humvees and heavy trucks are employed assisting civil authorities. Their individual civilian and military skill sets will greatly enhance the support they provide to law enforcement, municipalities, and residents of our great state.