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 Sara Barger, John Benedetto

Military Health System Conference 2024 Overview

Defense Health Agency

April 15, 2024 | 1:33

Ashish S. Vazirani, Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, launched the 2024 Military Health System Conference—back after a decade-long hiatus—with a powerful message of personal anecdotes, and his commitment to changing the system to stabilize, strengthen and modernize the MHS.

Addressing over 2,100 of personnel from across the MHS, he said, “I know for all of you, this is more than just a job. It's a mission.”

The conference focused on the ongoing changes to stabilize, strengthen and modernize the MHS, especially within the Defense Health Agency.

Following Vazirani’s opening session, Dr. Lester Martinez-López, the assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, shared his vision for change and for the future of the MHS.