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 Lance Cpl. Isabella Thompson

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HMH-465 and CLB-13 conduct NSI training

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

Jan. 22, 2026 | 3:55

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, 1st Marine Logistics Group, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, conduct heavy lift training with a CH-53E Super Stallion, assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, during night systems instructor training at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Jan. 22, 2026. Marines with HMH-465 provided aviation support for an NSI course, which certified Marines with CLB-13 to teach the safe and effective operation of night vision goggles and related low-light sensors. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Isabella Thompson)