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 Sgt. Shaehmus Sawyer

Motivator of the Week

II MEF Information Group

Jan. 8, 2021 | 0:05

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Christopher Leon, a field radio operator with 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, poses for a video in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Jan. 8, 2021. “If you’re not a starter, and you think you should be, give them no choice on the decision. Play so well it’s undeniable,” said Leon, a Brooklyn, New York, native. According to his leadership, Leon is a fire-and-forget Marine in the truest sense. He leads from the front and sets the example for his peers and junior Marines to emulate by ensuring that the Marines understand all aspects and capabilities of 2nd ANGLICO. Leon is constantly coordinating professional military education events for his Marines, maintaining a constant learning environment for those within 2nd ANGLICO. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Shaehmus Sawyer)