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.

Portuguese Quick Reaction Alert (with Subtitles)

Natochannel

Video by Courtesy

May 8, 2018 | 1:37

Quick Reaction Alert is a high state of readiness, maintained by NATO air crews to ensure the safety of Alliance airspace 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Fighter jets can be airborne within minutes to intercept and identify unknown aircraft operating within NATO airspace. Member countries provide the necessary aircraft and assets for the air policing of their own countries. For those countries that do not have this capability within or near NATO airspace, other NATO members will assist on a rotational basis.
NATO Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) provides 24/7 command and control from two Combined Air Operations Centres (CAOCs), one for the north and the other for the south of the Alliance. Portugal belongs to the CAOC in Torrejón, Spain. When needed, these Centres decide - according to the location of the incident - which interceptor will be scrambled.
The Portuguese Air Force shows us their QRA facilities at Monte Real Air Base and explains the state of readiness they have to maintain to be airborne within 15 minutes. On average, the Portuguese Air Force has 300 flight hours and carries out about 8-10 scrambles per year as part of the NATO CAOC in Torrejón. More