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 Max Lonzanida

Blue October 2024 Integrated Training Exercise-Marked Law Enforcement Vehicles

Naval Weapons Station Yorktown

Oct. 22, 2024 | 0:05

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (October 22, 2024) Marked law enforcement vehicle belonging to the Naval Weapons Station Yorktown Security Department and York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Officer are shown onboard Cheatham Annex during the installation’s annual Blue October Integrated Training Exercise. The exercise enabled members of the installation’s security department, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire & Emergency Services, York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office along with York County Fire & Emergency Services to exercise their mutual aid agreements and train so that they are able to respond effectively to any emergent events that may arise. It also allows the participants to test interoperability and foster interagency cooperation. This year’s exercise occurred at the Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One’s complex onboard Cheatham Annex. (U.S. Navy Photo by Max Lonzanida/Released).