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 Aaron Hauser, Staff Sgt. Anthony Kuhn, Airman 1st Class Rebecca Long, Senior Airman Rachel Maxwell, Airman 1st Class Taylor White

Weapons School Graduation Returns

Nellis Air Force Base

June 28, 2014 | 0:59

After a year long hiatus, the United States Air Force Weapons School is celebrating the first graduating class of 2014. Soundbites from Gen. Mike Hostage - Commander, ACC.
Produced by SrA Aaron Hauser, 99 ABW/PA.
As the United States Air Force Weapons School recognizes their 65th anniversary, they celebrate the accomplishments of a new round of patch wearers and the first graduating class since sequestration began. Senior Airman Aaron Hauser has the story.

(SrA Aaron Hauser - Reporting for 99 ABW/PA)
After a year long hiatus, the United States Air Force Weapons School is celebrating the first graduating class of 2014. More than one hundred and thirty students crossed the stage, officially sealing their position in history as proud recipients of the Weapons School patch. 
(Gen Mike Hostage - Commander, ACC)
To the graduates, you'll head out next week, and when you walk into that squadron you'll have that patch on your arm. And you're, right now, probably as smart as you are ever going to be. But remember that humble part. Approachable and credible is good, but be humble.

Accepting their awards to the applause of friends and family, the graduates begin a new phase in their careers as pilots, leaders and trained war fighters of the U-S Air Force Weapons School. Senior Airman Aaron Hauser, Las Vegas, Nevada.