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.

History of the Army Reserve in Europe

7th Mission Support Command

Video by Lt. Col. Jefferson Wolfe

Feb. 10, 2017 | 12:00

The history of the U.S. Army Reserve in Europe can be traced to 1948 when a training program was established for Reservists by the Office of Plans. Operations, and Training, European Command. The European Command was the forerunner of USAREUR. The 7th Mission Support Command traces its history back to 1956, when the first U.S. Army Reserve units, four Army Reserve Schools, were established in Europe. For more than 30 years, U.S. Reserve Soldiers in Europe served under various structures until the 7th ARCOM activated provisionally in January 1986. The 7th ARCOM was designated the 7th Civil Support Command prior to its official activation in September 2009. In 2015, the 7th Civil Support Command was re-designated to the 7th Mission Support Command. The command has nearly 1,000 Soldiers assigned to 22 reserve units, stationed throughout Germany and in Vicenza, Italy. More