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.

2MDTF, 2CR and Polish Forces Operate Drones in Multi-Domain Targeting Mission during Arcane Thunder 25

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Video by Pfc. Carlos Marquez

May 13, 2025 | 3:08

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U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force and 2nd Cavalry Regiment, alongside Polish soldiers, conduct a sensor-to-shooter scenario during Arcane Thunder 25 on Ustka Training Area, Ustka, Poland, May 14, 2025. The exercise integrated low altitude aircraft to detect Wi-Fi access points and transmit target data to 2nd MDTF, validating multi-domain coordination and NATO interoperability in a simulated digital battlefield. Participants demonstrate theater-wide synchronization across multiple domains, and the exercise focuses on cyber warfare, autonomous air and sea-based sensors, and mastery of the electromagnetic spectrum to sense and deliver long-range lethal and non-lethal capabilities, enabling joint freedom of action in the USAREUR-AF area of responsibility. (U.S. Army video by Spc. Carlos Marquez)

Shot list:
00:00:06:00 – Slow-motion footage of quadcopters and fixed-wing drones in flight as U.S. and allied forces observe and coordinate operations.

00:01:21:04 – U.S. Soldiers operate a 3D printer, demonstrating field-level innovation and rapid prototyping capabilities.

00:02:28:08 – Aerial systems launch and maneuver overhead as U.S. and allied forces work together to execute a joint drone integration mission. More