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 Staff Sgt. Samuel Kroll

North Dakota Veterans Cemetery 2024 Memorial Day Ceremony

North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs

May 27, 2024 | 0:59

North Dakotans gathered at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery for the 2024 Memorial Day Ceremony, Mandan, N.D., May 27. U.S Army Capt. Thomas Hansen served as Master of Ceremonies and N.D. Gov. Doug Burgum and Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, N.D. National Guard adjutant general, rendered remarks during the ceremony.

This year's keynote speaker was U.S. Navy Adm. Stuart Munsch, a North Dakota native who currently serves as the commander of the Allied Joint Force Command in Naples, Italy. In this capacity, he directs a combined NATO staff responsible for planning, preparing, and conducting military operations throughout the Supreme Allied Commander Europe’s area of responsibility. He concurrently serves as commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa, where his area of responsibility encompasses the waters bordering the coasts of Europe and Africa, including the Baltic, Mediterranean, and Black Seas.