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 Pfc. Carlos Marquez

41st FAB Soldiers conduct OpFor/MasCal scenarios brigade evaluation exercise

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Feb. 9, 2025 | 1:00

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 583rd Forward Support Company and 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment conduct opposition forces and mass casualty response training scenarios during the 41st Field Artillery Brigade’s evaluation exercise on Grafenwoehr Training Area, Bavaria, Germany, Feb. 9, 2025. The training includes simulated enemy engagements, medical evacuations, and tactical coordination to enhance unit readiness in combat scenarios. Observer/controllers assess Soldiers’ responses as opposition forces personnel engage with blank rounds, while exercise evaluation participants react to simulated attacks, provide security, and administer medical aid to simulated casualties. (U.S. Army video by Pfc. Carlos Marquez)

Shot List:
00:00:06:00 - 00:00:12:00 Observer/controller tosses green smoke to indicate incoming attack
00:00:12:01 - 00:00:19:00 OPFOR firing blank rounds from an M240 machine gun
00:00:19:01 - 00:00:25:00 OPFOR lays down suppressive fire
00:00:25:01 - 00:00:31:00 EXEVAL participants keeping lookout for OPFOR
00:00:31:01 - 00:00:37:00 EXEVAL participants keeping lookout for OPFOR in the area
00:00:37:01 - 00:00:43:00 EXEVAL participants run up a hill to provide security for the area
00:00:43:01 - 00:00:49:00 EXEVAL participants provide aid to simulated casualties
00:00:49:01 - 00:00:55:00 Soldier provides nine-line medical evacuation information over radio
00:00:55:01 - 00:01:00:34 Panning shot of High Mobility Artillery Rocket System turning a corner