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. Roidan Carlson

Zaporizhian March perf. by the USAFE Jazz Band and the National Presidential Orchestra of Ukraine

U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa

May 8, 2020 | 3:22

The Friendship Bridge connects two continents, two militaries - the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Ambassadors Jazz Band and the National Presidential Orchestra of Ukraine. As we mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, we use our U.S.-Ukraine musical partnership to demonstrate that the people of both our nations stand together in remembering the tragedies of the Second World War and reaffirm our commitment to peace and freedom from tyranny. The performance of “Zaporizhian March,” composed by Evgen Adamcevych and arranged by Staff Sergeant Nick Del Villano, is a blending of our two cultures, taking a traditional Ukrainian folk march and arranging it in a jazz style. It is a true pleasure to perform together, celebrating unity and peace.

Each separate video within this production was recorded by the musician while they were practicing social distancing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.