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 Spc. Kelly Boyer, Staff Sgt. Courtney Rorick

Training to be Rangers

114th Public Affairs Detachment

April 29, 2023 | 1:45

Four New Hampshire guardsmen participated in a Ranger assessment on April 29 at the Edward Cross Training Complex (ECTC) in Pembroke, N.H., and Ft. Devens, Mass.

The one-day assessment started at the ECTC with the Ranger physical fitness test, consisting of push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, a five-mile run in less than 40 minutes, and a Combat Water Survival Test. Participants then headed to Ft. Devens for a tactical written exam, a land navigation course, and a culminating 12-mile ruck march.

The ranger assessment allows participants to measure their mental and physical readiness and, if selected, attend the U.S. Army’s 62-day, small unit tactics and leadership course hosted at Ft. Benning, Ga.