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.

Wolf Blitz 25: 2CR Soldiers conduct CBRN gas chamber confidence training

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Video by Spc. Sar Paw

April 23, 2025 | 4:45

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Iron Troop, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment conduct M50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask confidence training during Wolf Blitz 25 training exercise on Grafenwoehr Training Area, Bavaria, Germany, April 23, 2025. This training provided Soldiers the ability to effectively respond to CS gas exposure while building confidence in their M50 protective mask, enhancing readiness in contaminated environments. (U.S. Army video by Spc. Sar Paw)

Shot list:
(00;05;00)- Title card
(00;05;00-00;10;20)- Soldiers run from obstacle course location to CBRN chamber
(00;10;21-01;00;18)- CBRN Specialists explain and demonstrate how to properly don the M50 mask
(01;00;19-01;17;23)- Soldier conducts a mask fit test
(01;17;18-04;45;04)- Soldiers enter the CS Chamber, conduct various exercises, unseal and reseal their masks, sing a 2CR song with their mask off, and exit the chamber. More