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 Lance Cpl. Justin Roux

Aviation Academics – The letter “G” for Door Gunners

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

Aug. 31, 2017 | 0:42

A crew chief assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 explains the responsibility of being a door gunner at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 7, 2017. The primary purpose of a Door Gunner is to man the weaponry aboard the aircraft and provide assistance for other aircraft within the area or operations; as well as provide coverage for the Marines on the ground. The 2nd MAW units that train crew chiefs to become Door Gunners are HMLA-269 and HMLA-167, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Justin Roux/ Released)