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.

313th Training Squadron Sheep Unveiling

17th Training Wing

Video by Sean Schroeder

May 13, 2025 | 0:18

In collaboration with Downtown San Angelo, Inc., Goodfellow’s 313th Training Squadron unveils its very own sheep on Tuesday, May 13.

The sheep is named ‘Night-Flock,’ which is a nod to the unit’s nighthawk mascot. With a paint scheme that resembles a nighthawk, the sheep is adorned with large, majestic wings on either side. The sheep also depicts the 313th Training Squadron’s logo.

‘Night-Flock’ joins the flock of other sheep located across the base, which include Lt. Col. ‘Ewe-little,’ located at Goodfellow’s main gate; ‘Meg,’ posted outside the 316th Training Squadron building; and ‘Ricky the Rattler,’ standing tall at the front of the 315th Training Squadron building.

The 313th Training Squadron has 84 staff members and trains over 200 students daily in 19 virtual, mobile and in-residence advanced courses to graduate approximately 4,000 intelligence Airmen per year. These Airmen are dispersed across the globe, enhancing the joint force’s readiness and lethality in support of National Security objectives. The unit also trains joint service intelligence warfighters as well as officers from 80 allied partner nations. More