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 Maj. Wayne Clyne

Youth Search and Rescue Team Trains with National Guard Helicopter Crew

Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Office

Nov. 9, 2024 | 7:37

An Oregon Army National Guard HH-60M helicopter crew conducted aerial extraction training with 32 members of the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue team at Rooster Rock State Park on Nov. 9, 2024. The training, which focused on familiarizing youth searchers with military aircraft capabilities and medical evacuation procedures, strengthens the partnership between the two organizations for real-world rescue operations in Multnomah County's challenging terrain. Col. John Van Horn, Oregon National Guard state surgeon and former youth searcher himself, helped bridge the connection between the youth-led search and rescue program and military aviation assets during the day-long training event.