Reoptimization for Great Power Competition

GPC Key Decisions

USAF Case for Change

Air Force FAQ for Reoptimizing Great Power Competition

“We need these changes now; we are out of time to reoptimize our forces to meet the strategic challenges in a time of great power competition.”

~ Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall

The United States faces a time of consequence marked by significant shifts in the strategic environment. To remain ready, the U.S. Air Force must change.

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.

Today, the Air Force once again finds itself at a critical juncture—an era of Great Power Competition marked by a new security environment, a rapidly evolving character of war, and a formidable competitor. This new era requires understanding its challenges and the attributes needed to succeed.

Embracing change is not a choice; it is a necessity. The Air Force must “reoptimize” into an enterprise prepared for high-end conflicts and long-term strategic competition.

Training for a Disaster Iowa National Guard Partners with Kosovo Security Force

185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard

Video by Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot

May 7, 2018 | 4:57

Soldiers and Airmen from the Iowa National Guard are in the nation of Kosovo this week as part of a two week exercise being conducted with the Kosovo Security Force.

Just over fifty Iowa Guard Airman and Soldiers are working with their counterparts in Kosovo as part of the U. S. Military, European Command’s State Partner Program.

The goal of the partner program, combined with the annual exercise is to work with the Kosovo Security Force in order to train and provide effective response to a large scale crisis. The Iowa National Guard has been working with Kosovo as part of the state partner program since 2011, fostering relationships and building cultural exchange between the two states.

During the two week exercise Air Guard clinicians from the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City and the 132nd Wing in Des Moines, Iowa are working in the class room and participating in field training with members of the Kosovo Security Force medical clinic.

The group also includes members of the Army Guard’s 831st engineering company from Middletown, Iowa who are working with the KSF honing construction skills.

Iowa and Kosovo hold various events throughout the year as part of the partner program designed to build and maintain regional stability throughout Kosovo and surrounding nations in South-Central Europe.

The annual exercise dubbed “Eagle 6” is taking place in Kosovo from April 26 to May 14. The goal of both the Iowa Guard and Kosovo Security Force is building continued cooperation and strong relationships.

Lower Thirds:

Major Brandon Cochran
132nd Wing
Iowa Air Guard Des Moines, Iowa

Capt. Marty Hogan
185th Air Refueling Wing
Iowa Air Guard Sioux City, Iowa More