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 Sgt. Erin Vandehoef

Local Fire Protection Services and Camp Pendleton Marines Conduct Annual Bilateral Fire Protection Training

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

May 1, 2024 | 6:51

U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venoms, assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, drop water from a Bambi firefighting bucket over a target area during the annual Cory Iverson Wildland Firefighting exercise at the Las Pulgas Lake at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 1, 2024. The Cory Iverson Wildland Firefighting exercise is an annual event focusing on interagency cooperation between the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, San Diego County Sheriff's Department, the Camp Pendleton Fire Department, and the Department of Defense. During the exercise, each entity works together to create an effective, efficient, and well-trained team to respond in the event of wildland fires. Camp Pendleton units and assets routinely work hand-in-hand with local, state and federal partner agencies to provide mutual aid to best protect MCI-West installations and surrounding local communities.