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 Airman 1st Class Steven Cardo

Team Shaw honors fallen Revolutionary War soldiers

20th Fighter Wing

April 22, 2023 | 2:11

U.S. Air Force 79th Fighter Squadron pilots assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base perform a flyover for a burial ceremony honoring 13 Revolutionary War soldiers in Camden, S.C., April 22, 2023. The U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, allied military services and civilian organizations jointly coordinated the ceremony to properly provide honors for the fallen soldiers. The ceremony was open to the public to give everyone the opportunity to celebrate the legacy of military service and remember the sacrifices made for freedom. (U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Steven Cardo)