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.

AR-MEDCOM, 3rd TMC Soldiers finish strong in inaugural Best Squad Competition

Army Reserve Medical Command

Video by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Hernandez, Sgt. Jerry Zuetrong

March 29, 2025 | 4:29

FORT MCCOY, Wis. - The "Warrior Medics" from various subordinate units under the Pinellas Park, Fla. based Army Reserve Medical Command competed against the "Desert Medics" from myriad units under the Gillem Enclave, Ga. based 3rd Theater Medical Command during their joint and inaugural Best Squad Competition held in Fort McCoy, Wis., from March 24, 2025, through March 30, 2025. Eight AR-MEDCOM Soldiers took part in the competition and were split into two squads, while 17 Soldiers of the 3rd TMC competed in four squads.

For approximately a week, both the AR-MEDCOM and the 3rd TMC squads took part in a multitude of challenges and events such as the Norwegian Foot March, physical fitness events, weapons qualification ranges, written assessments, a land navigation course, a litter obstacle course and an appearance board.

The AR-MEDCOM Best Noncommissioned Officer and the AR-MEDCOM Best Soldier, as well as the AR-MEDCOM Best Squad to advance onto the U.S. Army Reserve-level competition later this year, were announced during the awards ceremony on March 30, 2025:

AR-MEDCOM Best NCO: Sgt. Max Wright, representing the Fort Sheridan, Ill. based Central Medical Area Readiness Support Group

AR-MEDCOM Best Soldier: Spc. Manuel Chavoya, representing the Camp Parks, Calif. based Western MARSG

AR-MEDCOM Best Squad
* Staff Sgt. Jennifer Phillips, representing the San Antonio, Texas-based Medical Readiness Training Command

* Sgt. Max Wright

* Cpl. Acasia Lanzaderas, representing the Southeast MARSG

* Spc. Manuel Chavoya

* Spc. Carlos Figueredo, representing the Northeast MARSG

(U.S. Army Reserve video by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Hernandez and Sgt. Jerry Zuetrong)

Music used through license with Epidemic Sound
Song: Lost Crusaders
Artist: Hampus Naeselius More