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 Master Sgt. George Roach

Pennsylvania National Guardsmen swear in after trek from Ft. Indiantown Gap

Joint Force Headquarters - Pennsylvania National Guard

Jan. 20, 2017 | 3:56

WASHINGTON D.C. - Pennsylvania Air and Army National Guardsmen join airman and soldiers from across the U.S. in support of the day-long Presidential Inauguration events in Washington D.C. on Jan. 20, 2017. Having convoyed from Pennsylvania's National Guard Headquarters in Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. days before, these Guardsmen will provide assistance to federal, state and local authorities with duties such as traffic and crowd control in what promises to be a world-stage occasion. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. George Roach/released by DCJFHQ/PA)