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 Airman Jackson Manske, Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Stai

2022 International Honor Roll Induction Ceremony, April 13, 2022, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.

Air University Public Affairs

April 13, 2022 | 24:27

Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force's 2022 International Honor Roll Induction Ceremony.

2022 marks the first year Senior Enlisted Leaders will be inducted. Enlisted inductees are SNCOA graduates who have attained the position of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force or higher in their country.

Seven SELs and 34 officers were inducted, not all the officers were able to attend in person.

The program recognized international Professional Military Eduction graduates who have attained a prominent position in their country. Nominees must reach an Air Chief, or Senior Enlisted Leader equivalent position (or higher) in either a military or civilian capacity.