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 Staff Sgt. Marianique Santos

2019 DoD Warrior Games B-Roll - Powerlifting - 24 June

Defense Media Activity - Air Force

June 24, 2019 | 8:47

2019 DoD Warrior Games athletes compete in archery, powerlifting and wheelchair basketball at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida, June 24, 2019. The Warrior Games were established in 2010 as a way to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, ill and injured service members and expose them to adaptive sports. Approximately 300 athletes are participating in 13 adaptive sport competitions June 21-30. The athletes represent the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Special Operations Command. Athletes from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands and Denmark will also compete. (DoD video by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Marianique Santos)