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 Airman 1st Class Matthew Arachikavitz

Why Fairchild AFB Serves

92nd Air Refueling Wing

Sept. 4, 2024 | 0:50

Meet 2nd Lt Haley Stevens, 92nd Force Support Squadron officer in charge of career development. Her role in the Air Force requires her to be strong, adaptable, confident and disciplined. However, she knows that there are plenty of people who could be struggling in their day-to-day lives. One of her passions is motivating and helping those around her be the change they want to see both inside and outside of the Air Force.

The Airmen assigned to Fairchild Air Force Base all have different reasons why they joined the Air Force and why they continue to serve our nation, but they all have one theme in common; people. They continue to serve to improve the quality of life of the fellow Airmen around them and for every member that represents Fairchild AFB.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin has made it very clear that taking care of people is one of his top priorities. He invited Team Fairchild to answer the question, "Why do you serve?" (U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Matthew Arachikavitz)