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 Maj. Wayne Clyne

Salem Aviation Unit Welcomed Home After Border Security Duty

Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Office

Jan. 19, 2024 | 4:31

Soldiers from Detachment 1, A Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard held a demobilization ceremony Jan. 19, 2024, at Army Aviation Support Facility #1 in Salem, Oregon. The unit recently returned from a year long deployment supporting border security operations in Texas.

During the deployment, the detachment conducted 385 missions under day and night vision goggle conditions, accumulating over 1825 flight hours patrolling the Rio Grande Valley and Laredo sectors. The ceremony marked the official end of their border mission and transition back home for the Soldiers. Attending were families eager to welcome them back after the challenging deployment.

Interview with Detachment Commander Cpt. Steven Gundlach.