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. Josiah Jenkins

Feature Video: North Carolina National Guard, Botswana Defence Force demonstrate their cooperability at Southern Accord’s conclusion (Clean Copy)

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

Aug. 14, 2024 | 0:59

U.S. Army Soldiers from the North Carolina National Guard team with the Botswana Defence Force to conduct a military demonstration showcasing their joint partnership and cooperability during exercise Southern Accord 2024 at Shoshong, Botswana on Aug. 15, 2024. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. O’Brien, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 252nd Armor Regiment, North Carolina National Guard, shared his experience in working with the Botswana Defence Force on conducting urban operations. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). Running from Aug. 5-15, the exercise brings together U.S. Army and Air Force personnel and Botswana Defence Force counterparts to conduct a variety of training to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, as well as peacekeeping and aeromedical evacuation. The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral military capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Josiah Jenkins)