Reoptimization for Great Power Competition

GPC Key Decisions

USAF Case for Change

SecAF Memo

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.

USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) landing craft air cushion operations Part 1 of 3

Amphibious Squadron 5

Video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyle Carlstrom

Oct. 20, 2019 | 0:50

191020-N-NB544-1588 U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Oct. 20, 2019) Landing Craft, Air Cushion 58, attached to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, loads U.S. Marines, assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and returns to the amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) during exercise KAMANDAG 3. John P. Murtha is participating in KAMANDAG 3, a Philippine-led, bilateral exercise with the U.S., designed to increase counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief capabilities through military exchanges that strengthen partnership and the ability to rapidly respond to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region. KAMANDAG is an acronym for the Filipino phrase "Kaagapay Ng Mga Mandirigma Ng Dagat," which translates to "Cooperation of Warriors of the Sea," highlighting the partnership between the U.S. and the Philippine militaries. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle Carlstrom) More