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 Petty Officer 2nd Class Kelsey Adams

U.S. Navy Service Members; Royal Thai Armed Forces Build Library at Ban Surasak School During Pacific Partnership 2019

Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific

May 18, 2019 | 1:39

190518-N-RM689-0002

CHON BURI PROVINCE, Thailand (May 18, 2019) U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4, U.S. Army Soldiers, assigned to 377 Engineer Company, and Royal Thai Armed Forces work together to build a library at the Ban Surasak School project site during Pacific Partnership 2019. The scope of the project includes construction of a library, which is also designed to function as a shelter in the event of a natural disaster. Pacific Partnership, now in its 14th iteration, is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Each year, the mission team works collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase stability and security in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelsey L. Adams)