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.

Air Combat Command Chief Visits EADS

174th Attack Wing

Video by Master Sgt. Eric Miller

Oct. 8, 2014 | 1:12

Rome N.Y - Command Chief Master Sergeant Steve K. McDonald visited military operations at the Eastern Air Defense Sector (EADS) on October 8, 2014. Chief McDonald is the Command Chief Master Sergeant, Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. He is the enlisted advisor to the Commander and staff for the enlisted force stationed at 27 and wings, 17 bases and at more than 200 operating locations around the world. EADS provides air sovereignty and executes counter-air-o...perations over the eastern United States. EADS is a part of the New York Air National Guard and directs the employment of 178 sensors, 8 fighter alert locations, AWACS aircraft, a Battle Control Center (BCC), and joint air defense artillery assets to defend one million square miles, 16 cities, and adjacent seas. (New York Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Eric Miller/released)

EADS Homepage:
http://www.eads.ang.af.mil/
CMSgt Mcdonald's Bio:
http://www.acc.af.mil/library/biographies/bio.asp?id=18013 More