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 Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot

National Guard Bureau Chief visits Sioux City

185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard

Aug. 9, 2021 | 5:16

B-roll video shows the Chief of the National Guard Bureau General Daniel Hokanson visiting the Iowa Air National Guard facility in Sioux City, Iowa on August 9, 2021.

This is the first time in the history of the 185th Air Refueling Wing a sitting member of the Joint Chiefs visited the Air Guard facility in Sioux City.

Gen. Hokanson was visiting the Iowa Air Guard unit this week at the invitation of 185th Air Refueling Wing Commander Colonel Mark Muckey in order to get a first had look at the mission of the Air Refueling Wing.

During his time in Sioux City, Gen. Hokanson was able to learn about the unit’s continuous involvement in the global mission of the mission of the U.S. Air Force.

Gen. Hokanson had the opportunity to learn about the unit’s recent involvement as part of the state response to COVID-19 mitigation efforts, their involvement in last year’s derecho storm clean up as well as numerous exercise and training activities.

The General was given a tour of the Air Guard facility which included the Air National Guard paint facility. Hokanson said he was struck by the unique relationship the unit has with the Siouxland community.

Lower thirds:
Chief of the National Guard Bureau U.S. Army Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson

185th Air Refueling Wing Commander Col. Mark Muckey