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.

Author, domestic-violence survivor Carolyn Colleen speaks during Fort McCoy's 2022 Women's Equality Day observance, Part I

Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office

Video by Scott Sturkol

Aug. 25, 2022 | 2:00

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Author and domestic-violence survivor Carolyn Colleen shares her personal story of perseverance and more during the 2022 Fort McCoy Women's Equality Day observance held Aug. 25, 2022, at McCoy's Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. The event featured many displays about women's equality, and the featured guest speaker was Carolyn Colleen. Colleen’s FIERCE 5 blueprint for domestic-violence recovery and future success is well known. In Colleen’s book, “F.I.E.R.C.E., Transform Your Life In The Face of Adversity 5 Minutes At A Time!,” it describes what the FIERCE acronym means.
• Focused breath: take a deep breath, face fear, and focus.
• Identify one goal; name three things required to achieve that goal.
• Examine barriers to the goal.
• Reflect and visualize your truths; co-create your own reality.
• Courage: recognize that you have the courage.
• Engage — take action.
Colleen was thanked by Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger and Command Sgt. Maj. Raquel DiDomenico, garrison command sergeant major, for sharing her message on such an important day. (Video by Scott T. Sturkol, Public Affairs Office, Fort McCoy, Wis.) More