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 Vincent De Groot

Iowa Air National Guard members support 60th Presidential inauguration

185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard

Jan. 15, 2025 | 2:55

b-roll video shows Iowa’s 185th Medical Group departing for Washington D.C. to support the Presidential Inauguration January 15, 2025.

Airmen from the Iowa Air National Guard’s 185th Air Refueling Wing joined thousands of National Guard members from around the United States in the nation’s capital this week where they will provide support for the presidential inauguration.

A group eight clinicians from the 185th Air Refueling Wing departed the Sioux City airport on Wednesday in route to the nation’s capital.

Iowa guard members are joining National Guard volunteers from 39 other states and territories for about a week, where they are set to help during the event.

The Iowa National Guard asked 60 of its members to be a part a group of nearly 8,000 Soldiers and Airmen who are helping with crowd management, transportation and medical support during the inauguration.

The Iowa Air National Guard members departed onboard two U.S. Air Force KC-135 aircraft from Sioux City, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, delivering Soldiers and Airmen from the Hawkeye state to Andrews Air Force Base in Washington D.C.

According to the National Guard Bureau, the National Guard has supported presidential inaugurations since 1789 when Gen. George Washington was escorted to his inauguration ceremony in New York City.

In more recent history, Iowa National Guard members have participated in the past 4 inaugurations, providing similar security and medical support functions at each event.

Lower thirds:
Technical Sgt. Dylan Hinds 185th Air Refueling Wing Medical Group

Note: Hinds is a traditional guard member, 4N071 Aerospace Medical Technician, who works full time as a critical care paramedic for Woodbury County in Western Iowa.