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. 1st Class Jessica Forester

7th MSC Highlights Suicide Prevention Liaison - SSG Andre Montijo-Ginard

7th Mission Support Command

Aug. 11, 2024 | 0:59

The 7th Mission Support Command highlights SSG Andre Montijo-Ginard in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, recognizing the honorable service of our Hispanic Soldiers and their contributions to the U.S. Army and the United States of America.

U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Andre Montijo-Ginard, enlisted in America's Army Reserve in June 2018 as a human resources specialist and currently serves in the command personnel directorate with the 7th Mission Support Command - THE U.S. Army Reserve in Europe.

Montijo is a third-generation service member, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

Montijo's approach to leadership is heavily influenced by the tight nit community he grew up with in Utuado, Puerto Rico.

"Growing up in Puerto Rico, it's family oriented," he said. "Everyone cared about you regardless of if you were family or not. We're always taught to take care of them [each other] ... and I think that translates to the Army as well."

This deeply held belief in building and maintaining a community fuels him as Soldier, an NCO, and as a suicide prevention liaison within his unit.

"We learn how to care of our Soldiers," said Montijo. "We try to be in the position that they're in so that we can mentor and coach them."

When asked about his approach to 'knowing his Soldiers,' he revealed that, for him, it all starts with one question.

"My go-to question is 'how are you,' he said. "How are you,' creates a lot of conversations. You have to be aware and ready when that Soldier says 'hey, you know what, I'm not doing okay,' and it's up to us, as leaders, to take care of them and listen to them. I feel like the listening part is the most important thing, because if you really listen to them, you're going to be able to help them, and in the future, they're going to be able to help you and others."

September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month.

The 7th Mission Support Command is the U.S. Army Reserve presence in Europe. Comprised of 26 units across Germany and Italy, the 7th MSC provides logistical and sustainment resources in support of U.S. Army Europe - Africa missions across the theater. For more stories and information on the 7th Mission Support Command, connect on Facebook @7thmsc. (U.S. Army Reserve video by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester, Staff Sgt. Tristan Peete)