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.

"Tropic Lightning" Soldiers execute an annual, trilateral exercise in the Outback - clean

28th Public Affairs Detachment

Video by Sgt. Alvin Reeves

May 27, 2017 | 2:44

Name: 25th Infantry Division Soldiers participate in Exercise: Southern Jackaroo 2017
Unit: B Company, 1-21st Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division; D Company, 1-5th Royal Australian Regiment Battalion, 1st Brigade, The Army of Australia
Unit Hometown: Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, USA; Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia

Submitting Unit: SGT Alvin Reeves, Public Affairs Broadcast Specialist, 28th Public Affairs Detachment, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

Dates: 22-27 May 2017
Location: Mount Bundey Training Area, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia

CG: Spc. Thomas Perez, U.S. Army (:14); Pvt. Zac Nathan, Australian Army (:33); Pvt. Brandon Chase, Australian Army (:43); Staff Sgt. Zackerey Gwin, U.S. Army (:58); 1st Lt. Dave Barenholtz, U.S. Army (1:13); 2nd Lt. Peter Waldron, U.S. Army (1:22); Pfc. Christian Lee, U.S. Army (2:13); Capt. Jon Voss, U.S. Army (2:23)

Description: Soldiers from 1-21 Infantry BN, 2-25 IBCT participate at exercise Southern Jackaroo 2017 in Australia, 22-27 May. This annual, combined, trilateral exercise led by the Australian Defense Force also includes elements of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force and the U.S. Marine Rotational Forces-Darwin (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Alvin Reeves). More