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 Master Sgt. Tyrone Mitchell

IRON KEYSTONE 23

111th Attack Wing

Oct. 10, 2023 | 5:11

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael Regan Jr., Deputy Adjutant General for Air, Pennsylvania National Guard, gives a brief to airmen to be ready and to be prepared for the change in the way we prepare for conflicts. Airmen from the Pennsylvania National Guard's three Air wings -- the 111th Attack Wing, 171st Air Refueling Wing and 193rd Special Operations Wing partnered with Soldiers of the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade during exercise Iron Keystone Aug. 4 - 6, 2023 at Fort Indiantown Gap. (Pennsylvania Air National Guard photo by Master Sergeant Tyrone G Mitchell/Released)