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.

B-Roll: 525th Military Working Dog Detachment demonstration

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

Video by Sgt. Ashley Fletcher

Aug. 16, 2024 | 3:12

U.S. Army Sgt. Eric Ramos, and his assigned military working dog, Vegas, demonstrate the different controlled aggression tactics used when detaining suspects, during the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), ‘ Bring Your Lion Cub To Work Day’ at Caserma Del Din, Aug. 16, 2024. Ramos and Vegas are assigned to the 525th Military Working Dog (MWD) Detachment, Combined Military Working Dog Detachment-Europe, 18th Military Police Brigade. The event provided families an educational experience showcasing how these highly trained military working dog teams are utilized in various operations. Teams are used in patrol, drug and explosive detection and specialized mission functions for the Department of Defense and other government agencies. (This video has been altered for security purposes by blurring out the license plate.) (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Ashley Fletcher)

Shot List
(00:00:20) MEDIUM SHOT: Sgt Ramos plays with his K-9, Vagas
(00:24:19) CLOSE SHOT: Pan of K-9 Sign
(00:35:00) CLOSE SHOT: Pan of K-9 Sign
(00:42:20) CLOSE SHOT: Pan of Sgt Ramos MP IOTV
(00:49:00) CLOSE SHOT: Pan of military police sign on van
(00:58:04) MEDIUM SHOT: Sgt Ramos playing with his K-9
(01:14:00) MEDIUM SHOT: Sgt Romas give K-9 demonstration to crowd
(01:45:04) MEDIUM SHOT: Sgt Romas give K-9 demonstration to crowd (Blurred edit for security)
(02:14:26) MEDIUM SHOT: Sgt Romas give K-9 demonstration to crowd
(03:04:07) (For AUDIO of K-9 barking) More