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 James Varhegyi

LCID 2024 Small Business Panel 03: Innovation Opportunities for Small Business

Air Force Life Cycle Management Center

July 30, 2024 | 55:49

Randy Hildebrandt, Chief Innovation lead for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Bombers Directorate moderates the third of three small business-related panels during Life Cycle Industry Days 2024. The panel discussion focused on innovation opportunities for small businesses. Panel members consisted of subject matter experts from various government offices, namely: James Lawrence from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Rapid Sustainment Office (RSO), Patrick Titer from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Plans and Programs Directorate (XP), Joey Angeles from the Air Force Research Lab’s AFWERX, Doug Patton from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Simulators Directorate Innovation Cell, Col. Tyler Harris from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance and Special Operations Forces Directorate (ISR&SOF), and Lt. Col. Michael Moen from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Mobility and Training Directorate. LCID 2024 ran from July 29 through July 31, and was held at the Dayton Ohio Convention Center, boasting record-setting attendance. The event featured a full slate of speakers, expert panels, vendor booths and an overview video of what reoptimization for Great Power Competition (GPC) means for Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) and Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. The 9th annual event brought together Air Force leaders, uniformed and civilian airmen and industry partners. During the three days, AFLCMC senior leaders engaged in 32 strategic small business meetings. "PEO Alley" displays allowed AFLCMC and Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) directorates the chance to advertise their latest technologies and successes. LCID 2024 focused on the Life Cycle Management Center’s future requirements, collaboration opportunities and topics covering the entire acquisition life cycle and management across AFLCMC portfolios. (U.S. Air Force video by Jim Varhegyi)