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.

Pathfinder Course - Camp Dodge 2022

Joint Force Headquarters - Iowa National Guard

Video by Staff Sgt. Tawny Kruse

Sept. 7, 2022 | 1:47

Soldiers from across the country converged on Camp Dodge in August 2022 to attend a Pathfinder course. Staff Sgt. Nicholas Fenske, a North Sioux City, South Dakota, native and infantryman assigned to Troop C, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, Iowa Army National Guard, and 2nd Lt. Brilee Vargason, a Mount Vernon, Iowa, native and platoon leader with Troop A, 1-113th Cavalry, talked about their favorite parts of the course and the unique opportunity to learn about air traffic control through the Iowa National Guard.

Army Pathfinders are trained to provide navigational aid and advisory services to military aircraft in areas designated by supported unit commanders. During the Pathfinder course, students are instructed in aircraft orientation, aero-medical evacuation, close combat assault, ground to air communication procedures, control center operations, all three phases of a sling load operation, helicopter landing zone and pick up zone operations, and drop zone operations dealing with U.S. military fixed and rotary wing aircraft for personnel and equipment. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Staff Sgt. Tawny Kruse) More