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 Daisuke Sato

Rookie firefighters from Zama City Fire visit Camp Zama

U.S. Army Garrison - Japan

Oct. 12, 2023 | 2:14

Narration:
Eight rookie firefighters from Zama City, who just completed their Fire
Academy training, recently visited the fire department on Camp Zama to meet
the crew and learn more about their mission there.

Interview: Yune Komatsu, Zama City Fire Department
One of the purposes of today's visit was to show our newest firefighters the
difference between U.S. and Japanese firefighting equipment so that they can
better understand the unique ways in which different fire departments
operate in order to accomplish their mission. Most importantly, we wanted
them to establish a face-to-face relationship with their counterparts here
on Camp Zama.

Narration:
Camp Zama Fire Department personnel gave the Zama City firefighters an
overview of their role and mission before moving them outside for a
walkthrough of their Fire Safety House, a structure they use for educational
purposes.

The Camp Zama firefighters then demonstrated various skills and techniques,
such as handling fire equipment, using a fire hose, and conducting a rescue
demonstration. The visiting firefighters then had the chance to try on U.S.
firefighter gear and use the fire hose.

Interview: Toshiki Ito, Firefighter, Zama City Fire Department
I was very impressed to see their equipment today. The main thing I gained
from today was the understanding and reassurance of the skills and
competency of our counterparts here on Camp Zama.

Interview: Ren Yasuda, Firefighter, Zama City Fire Department
I was very surprised by the size of the hose they use here and power of the
water pressure. It was a totally different experience for me. I hope we can
work together as good neighbors to protect people from disasters, because
saving lives is our No. 1 priority.

Narration:
This marks the third year the Camp Zama Fire Department has hosted new
firefighters from Zama City, which they began as a way to continue building
a strong relationship between their two departments.

Interview: Koki Saito, Training Captain, Fire and Emergency Services
Hopefully the rookie firefighters enjoyed today's event. We would like to
continue to deepen our relationship by having more events and training like
this, which I believe makes both of our communities better.

Narration:
For U.S. Army Garrison Japan, this is XXXXXXXX.