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 Megan Cusmano, Tech. Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal, Airman 1st Class Rebecca Tierney

Super Nights: Airmen Generate Training Flights

4th Fighter Wing

Oct. 10, 2024 | 1:30

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 334th Fighter Generation Squadron support F-15E Strike Eagle training flights during a Super Nights event at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina throughout October 2024. During Super Nights, the 334th FGS helped drive readiness by ensuring the generation of night sorties to support F-15E Strike Eagle training for aircrew members of the 333rd Fighter Squadron and 334th FS. The purpose of Super Nights is to synchronize student and instructor pilots from various squadrons and enhance the progression of night flying portion of the training syllabus for student aircrew. (U.S. Air Force photos by Tech. Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal, Airman 1st Class Rebecca Tierney and Airman 1st Class Megan Cusmano)