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 Michel Sauret

Stay safe on the water with these boating tips!

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District

May 24, 2024 | 1:55

Chelsea Jones, river ranger for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District, shares some watery safety and boating tips while recreating on Pittsburgh’s rivers, reservoirs and other waterways this summer.

One of the district’s highest priorities is to safeguard lives by educating the public on water and boater safety.

Know the waterways! There are a total of 11 fixed-crest dams on the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers. Fixed-crest dams are very difficult to see because they create an “infinity pool” visual effect, blending with the water’s surface. Therefore, we ask all boaters to pay close attention to warning signs marking off restricted areas.

Take a boat safety course! According to the U.S. Coast Guard, approximately 75 percent of drowning accidents involving boats occur in situations where the boat operator did not receive boating safety instruction.

Always wear a life jacket! Wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is the simplest life-saving strategy for recreational boaters. Statistics show that approximately 85 percent of drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.

KNOW. TAKE. WEAR.

(U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District video by Michel Sauret)