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 Sgt. Sean Ferry

2023 New Hampshire Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition

114th Public Affairs Detachment

Feb. 12, 2023 | 1:59

New Hampshire National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, alongside state partnership service members from El Salvador and Cabo Verde, demonstrated an array of military expertise while competing in the New Hampshire Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition during the three-day event from 10-12 February.

Gunning for the titles of Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year, competitors gave their all during various events including a modified Army Combat Fitness Test, formal board, written test, and advanced warrior tasks and battle drills, at the Edward Cross Training Complex in Pembroke and the training site in Center Strafford, N.H. Amidst the events, competitors ventured into the wilderness for night and day land navigation, took a flight in a UH-60 "Black Hawk" helicopter, conducted marksmanship assessments for the M4 Carbine, the M17 pistol, and tested their limits with a stress shoot.

The competition concluded with a 13.15-mile ruck march over hills surrounded by mountain views. Afterwards competitors, sponsors, and supporting staff celebrated with a barbeque.

This year's winners were --
Soldier of the Year: Spc. Brendan Tuttle, a HIMARS crewmember in Bravo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, NHARNG

Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Staff Sgt. Davis Jollimore, a training noncommissioned officer at the Recruit Sustainment Program, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, NHARNG

(Video by Sgt. Sean Ferry, 114th Public Affairs Detachment)