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 Vincenzo Vitiello

839th Transportation Battalion dock operations at Livorno Port

Training Support Activity Europe

May 28, 2021 | 1:30

The 839th Transportation Battalion, 598th Transportation Brigade, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) executed mission command of the upload of more than 200 U.S. Army M-ATVs (MRAP - All Terrain Vehicle) to the USNS Bob Hope at the Livorno, Italy port facility, May 28, 2021. The M-ATV's will transit to the U.S. for further distribution to units throughout the Army. The complex and successful port mission resulted from close coordination between the 839th, 405th AFSBn, Military Sealift Command, Camp Darby and Italian port authorities. SFC Timothy J. Nemes, Cargo Ops NCO, 839th Trans BN, highlights the cooperation that made the operation a success. (U.S. Army video by Vincenzo Vitiello)