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. Amy Younger

Interview with CPT David Tarsa on the North and West Africa Response Force

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

Dec. 9, 2021 | 3:41

Interview with U.S. Army CPT David Tarsa, assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, on North and West Africa Response Force (NARF) participation in joint exercise at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Dec. 9, 2021. The NARF is composed of joint elements across Europe and is tasked to protest U.S. personnel, property and interests in the AFRICOM area of responsibility in case of crisis. The force has the capability to alert, marshal, deploy, organize deliberate and dynamic planning, and conduct operations at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Air Force video by SSgt Amy Younger)