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 Senior Airman Tylon Chapman

Iowa Air National Guard Security Forces train at Alpena CRTC B-roll

185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard

July 16, 2024 | 4:28

B-roll video shows Iowa Air National Guard Security Forces Airmen training at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Michigan.

The Iowa ANG members are here to hone their tactical skills so they are always ready to protect Air Force installations and troops.

During the first week of their two-week annual training, 72 Defenders trained on urban operations techniques as well as weapons training to maintain annual training requirements.

They will be at the CRTC through the next week using the CRTC’s small arms range, training classrooms and weapons storage, firearms training facility, Grayling Air Gunnery Range, and the Military Operations in Urban Terrain village.

The Airmen are training in Air Base Ground Defense expeditionary skills, which include reconnaissance, combat patrols, ambushes, assaults, and area capture and recovery.

They also are training through close quarters battle scenarios to develop their close-quarter weapons manipulation and safety in working in small fireteams.

The training will culminate in a 24-hour field training exercise at the MOUT against simulated opposing forces.

The Security Forces Airmen are members of the 185th ARW and 132nd Wing.

Lower Thirds:

Capt. Casey Ryan, 185th Air Refueling Wing Security Forces Squadron Commander