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 Jonathan Haugen

957th Engineer Company Returns Home

North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs

Nov. 15, 2022 | 4:58

BISMARCK, N.D. — The North Dakota National Guard’s Bismarck-based 957th Engineer Company (Multi-role Bridge) is redeploying from its year-long role in support of the Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) mission along the southwest border. Today about 70 of the 120 Soldiers on the mission were welcomed home via charter flight at the Bismarck Airport. Under the direction of U.S. Northern Commandv and Joint Task Force North, the 957th Engineer Company’s mission was to assist the CBP by providing detection and surveillance support. “The highly trained members of the 957th Engineer Company served with courage, skill and professionalism as they supported efforts to secure the southwest border, and we are deeply grateful for their service and their safe return,” said Gov. Doug Burgum, commander-in-chief of the North Dakota National Guard. “The North Dakota National Guard continues to play a critical role in border security, working to address illegal immigration, stop drug and human trafficking and ensure the safe and efficient flow of goods and services for the benefit of all Americans.”