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.

Ham in Algeria: AFRICOM 'Committed' to Partnership Press Conference, Part 2

U.S. Africa Command

Video by Nancy Hudson

June 6, 2011 | 9:30

U.S. Africa Command's General Carter F. Ham discussed U.S. AFRICOM's role in strengthening partnerships between U.S. and African nations during a press conference with Algerian media June 1, 2011, in Algiers, Algeria.

His first visit to Algeria, Ham also interacted with military and civilian leaders on the subjects of common interest, addressing how to combat the threat of extremism in the region. He pointed out that the command's involvement is more in a supporting role to assist Africans.

"The first principle is that a safe, stable, and secure Africa is in everyone's best interest, including the United States'. And the second principle is that in the long run, it is Africans who are best suited to address African security matters," said Ham.

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