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 2nd Lt. Anna Doo

New Mexico National Guard Responds to the Dog Head Fire

Joint Force Headquarters - New Mexico National Guard

June 21, 2016 | 1:35

Specialists Ronald Jimenez, Alexander Chairez, and Cheyenne Dial fill two horse troughs to the brim with fresh water on a ranch located on Pohl Road within the mandatory evacuation area caused by the Dog Head Fire. Jimenez and Chairez, both of the 720th Transportation Company, said they had been improvising techniques to fulfill the mission of delivering water in the most efficient methods possible. Dial, with the 615th Transportation Battalion, said she enjoyed being able to help and serve her community. The water haul mission delivered more than 11,000 gallons of water to ranches as of June 20, likely much more by the end of the mission.