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.

Iowa National Guard Soldiers reflect on collective training experience at Camp Ripley

135th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Video by Sgt. Keith Allen, Sgt. 1st Class Jason Everett, Staff Sgt. Roman Gamble, Staff Sgt. Samantha Hircock, Staff Sgt. Katharine Schmidt, Spc. Armani Wilson

July 24, 2024 | 2:04

Iowa Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, are midway through a three-week eXportable Combat Training Capabilities rotation at Camp Ripley, Minn. Many arrived in early July 2024, with the exercise wrapping up the first week of August. Soldiers from infantry, artillery, aviation, cavalry and many other specialties are being tested on their platoon-level proficiency as well as their ability to execute missions jointly.

Command Sgt. Maj. Josh Luck, command sergeant major of the 2/34th IBCT, 1st Lt. Zachary Zippe, platoon leader assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry Regiment, and Spc. John Andera, an infantryman also assigned to Company C, 1-133rd Infantry, talk about how collective training events like XCTC maintain readiness, and reflect on how important it is for Iowa employers and families to support Soldiers in their military obligations. (U.S. Army National Guard video production by Staff Sgt. Keith Allen) More