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 Yasuo Osakabe

JGSDF tours Yokota’s Fire Department

374th Airlift Wing

Dec. 10, 2024 | 0:29

Seventeen Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers assigned to the Central Nuclear Biological Chemical Weapon Defense Unit visited the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department to familiarize themselves with the U.S. Air Force fire department operations at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Dec. 10, 2024.

The tour aimed to strengthen the foundation for future training procedures and foster valuable friendships, enhancing the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities of both the Yokota Fire Department and JGSDF.

During the tour, JGSDF members operated a 374th CES firefighting vehicle and demonstrated a JGSDF liquid spray vehicle to Yokota firefighters. (U.S. Air Force video by Yasuo Osakabe