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 Bergh

Flaming Thunder 2024

111th Attack Wing

Sept. 27, 2024 | 3:54

NATO allies convened in Lithuania for Exercise Flaming Thunder, aimed at bolstering their indirect fire support capabilities through enhanced military cooperation and firepower.

Held from September 23-27, 2024, the exercise focused on strengthening NATO's joint air-ground integration capabilities, with a particular emphasis on Lithuania's Joint Air-Ground Integration Cell (JAGIC) to maximize the effectiveness of indirect fire. Flaming Thunder demonstrated the artillery and coordination expertise of the Czech Republic, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and the United States, within a complex and dynamic operational setting.

The United States participation included key members of the Pennsylvania National Guard's State Partnership Program. The collaboration between the Pennsylvania National Guard and Lithuania has been a cornerstone of U.S. military diplomacy in the region, supporting security cooperation, NATO exercises, and global deployments since 1993. (U.S. Air National Guard Video by Airman 1st Class Matthew Bergh)