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. Nichelle Griffiths

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

316th Wing

Aug. 7, 2015 | 3:15

The United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team performs for thousands of people during The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Esplanade of the Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland Aug. 7, 2015. The 66th production of the tattoo welcomes more than 220,000 spectators from around the world for more than 3 weeks. The event includes 17 acts for 25 performances and welcomes more than 1,390 performers from the US, Europe, Asia, Australia and Canada. The show features Bollywood dancers from India, the Military Band of the People’s Liberation Army of China, the Top Secret Drum Corps from Switzerland, the Royal Air Force and Queen’s Colour Squadron Mass Band and more.