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.

Wings of Blue Parachute Team performs jump during FIDAE 2018

Air Forces Southern

Video by Staff Sgt. Danny Rangel

April 6, 2018 | 0:30

The Wings of Blue USAF Parachute Team jump from a Chilean Air Force C-130 aircraft and into the skies above the FIDAE (Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio) air show, April 6th, 2018 in Santiago, Chile. The jump was one of several performances completed by the Wings of Blue team during the air show. The Wings of Blue team were hosted by Boinas Azules, a Chilean Air Force parachute team.

The FIDAE air show was an opportunity to further the familiarity and understanding between the U.S. and Chile. U.S. personnel worked closely with their Chilean partners to ensure a successful air show, coordinating air show performances as well as the arrival and placement of various U.S. aircraft, including the F-35 Lightning II, F-22 Raptor and B-52 Stratofortress. More