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.

Mr. Andrew R. D’Angelo - C5ISR Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Inductee

U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command

Video by Sean Kief

June 26, 2024 | 4:34

Mr. Andrew “Andy” D’Angelo joined the U.S. Army Electronics Command at Fort Monmouth in 1965 and held various positions during his 35-year government tenure. In 1973 he was selected as Technical Director and Deputy Project Manager for the Army Weapons Locating Radar Program (FireFinder), directing that program through an accelerated R&D and initial production. The result was world-class counterfire radars that have served the U.S. Army and our allies very well for decades. He was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in 1984. Mr. D'Angelo served as Deputy and then Program Executive Officer for Intelligence and Electronic Warfare (IEW) Systems for the U.S. Army. The IEW portfolio included a large number of high-priority Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) systems to include the JSTARS Ground Station, Night Vision Equipment, Airborne Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Counterfire Radars and Artillery Meteorology Systems. Accelerated fieldings and sustainment were provided for many these critical systems in support of successful Desert Shield and Desert Storm operations. The JSTARS radar provided real-time situational awareness and targeting data in support of maneuver operations. A superior night vision capability enabled the Coalition Forces to “Own the Night”. SIGINT intercepts provided valuable intelligence and forced the enemy to limit communications. The counterfire radars were so effective that the enemy was afraid to fire in the face of immediate return fire. Mr. D’Angleo’s contributions to PEO IEW&S systems were a key contributor to successful coalition operations. More