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.

SA-EMD Quarterly Update 2021 Featuring Guest Speaker Dr. Baker

502nd Air Base Wing

Video by Richard Kaulfers

March 25, 2021 | 01:15:31

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas,
The San Antonio-Electromagnetic Defense collaborative marked its two-year anniversary at a quarterly meeting March 19 when they welcomed Dr. George H. Baker, former senior science advisor to the National Security Council and senior advisor to the Congressional Electromagnetic Pulse, or EMP, Commission, as keynote speaker.

The SA-EMD was created by the Joint Base San Antonio-Electromagnetic Defense Initiative and has grown from a concept to a vibrant coalition of nearly 400 subject matter experts, community leaders, researchers, educators and many more, said Lt. Col. Eddie Stamper, JBSA-EDI project officer.

“To mark our two-year anniversary, we have one of the leading and most influential minds in the nation as our featured speaker,” he said.

Updates on current and future work were also presented by each of SA-EMD's four work groups during the virtual meeting.

Brig. Gen. Caroline M. Miller, 502d Air Base Wing and JBSA commander, welcomed attendees and thanked SA-EMD partners for their hard work and dedication over the past two years.

"We are proud to have become a key focal point for the national effort to understand and counter electromagnetic threats to the power grid and other critical infrastructure,” Miller said.

“The winter storm that impacted all of Texas last month drove home the importance of the work this group is doing. What was theoretical to some, became a reality for many who faced rolling blackouts, loss of water, and struggled to stay warm for nearly a week of below freezing temperatures,” she said.

"Armed with this experience fresh in our minds, we are determined to continue pressing forward to achieve our goal of a resilient critical infrastructure in which we can depend on to power our missions, support national security, and stabilize our quality of life,” Miller said.
https://www.jbsa.mil/News/News/Article/2544247/san-antonio-electromagnetic-defense-collaborative-marks-two-year-anniversary/ More