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 Marisa Gaona, Shelley Tingle

Raising the Bar on Additive Manufacturing - Branded

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center

June 20, 2025 | 3:18

At the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory, innovation is transforming the speed and scale of delivery to the Warfighter and the nation – elevating mission readiness and the sustainment of critical infrastructure.

From rapid part replacement in inland navigation systems to the use of high-performance materials for military engineering, large-scale metal additive manufacturing is revolutionizing defense and infrastructure readiness.

A defining metric has been speed. Parts that used to take 18 months or more to manufacture with traditional methods can now be produced in weeks using additive manufacturing.

Through partnerships with industry and academia, ERDC is raising the bar on scalable, efficient and mission-ready technology solutions for our nation and military.

Watch to learn more.