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 Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Monk

U.S. Air National Guard supports NATO E-3A Component

171st Air Refueling Wing

May 17, 2018 | 4:48

Pennsylvania Air National Guardsmen Col. Gil Patton, Maj. Dan Horowitz, and Master Sgt. Dan Moretti refuel a A NATO E-3A aircraft over Central Europe, May, 17, 2018. The Mission occurred one week prior to the 25 anniversary of the partnership between the Air National Guard and NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force.
The Air National Guard delivers air refueling to NATO-owned aircraft in support of the NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS). Air refueling extends the range for the 15 E-3A AWACS aircraft so they can conduct long-range aerial surveillance, and command and control of aerial forces. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Monk) 