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 Staff Sgt. Erin Mills

C-17 Crew Brief and Aerial Views of Humanitarian Aid Air Drop

United States Air Forces Central

Aug. 31, 2014 | 0:46

B-Roll of C-17 Globemaster III aircrew from the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron briefing before a humanitarian aid air drop of containment delivery system bundles filled with fresh drinking water in the vicinity of Amirli, Iraq August 31, 2014. 10,545 gallons of water were delivered. Col. Christopher Colbert, Operations Group Commander, 385th Air Expeditionary Group; Capt. Rachael Deroche, Aircraft Commander, 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron; Capt. Michael Osgood, Co-Pilot, 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron; Capt. Tyler Perry, Pilot, 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron; SrA Paul Maginnis, Loadmaster, 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. Also available in high definition.