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 Sgt. Kourtney Nunnery

U.S. Army Forces assist with Pre-deployment Training for Estonian Forces

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Jan. 21, 2025 | 1:44

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 277th Aviation Regiment, 1st Calvary Division, assist the Estonian Scouts Personnel Security Detachment on pre-deployment training in Tallinn, Estonia, Jan. 21, 2025. The U.S. involvement consisted of transporting distinguished visitors to a landing zone in Tallinn, Estonia and waiting for communication to return to site and assist in the evacuation of the DV’s and the PSD teams. Between airlifts, the Estonian detachment, under the guidance of U.S. Secret Service personnel, simulated a green on green live fire event during a foreign military training graduation. The Estonian forces were tested on their ability to navigate the situation and enact proper procedures. This exercise showcases the interoperability between forces and strengthens partnership with effective communication and mutual respect. (U.S. Army Video by Sgt. Kourtney Nunnery)