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.

Taking Care of Kadena

18th Wing

Video by Airman 1st Class Thomas Barley

March 28, 2017 | 1:05

Doctors are the backbone that keeps the military moving. They provide an invaluable service to both service members and their families. Airman First Class Thomas Barley introduces us to a doctor who's passion for caring for people has turned into a life long profession.

Major Kimberly Caldwell family health physician, 18wg mdg

I'm Major Kimberly Caldwell I'm a family medicine physician at Kadena Air Base at the family health clinic.

I've been a doctor now for almost 12 years now and I still love seeing patients everyday. I love patient care. I love being a doctor because your job is never the same, it changes everyday, you always have someone new in your office, a new patient.

For us we see a new patient every 20 minutes, so you get the chance to interact with so many different people and talk about so many different things.

The most important thing that we do is keep our active duty members healthy, but we also take care of their families so that their able to have peace of mind when they deploy or when their TDY or their gone.

I think seeing someones face when they've responded to your treatment and knowing that they have, you know... Relief, and just knowing that you're making a difference in their lives is the biggest impact. I love making a difference in their lives. More