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.

USAFA Unveils Display at Colorado Springs Airport

U.S. Air Force Academy

Video by Kevin Tappan, Jon Zanone

Feb. 5, 2013 | 1:43

U.S. Airforce Academy, Colo. Air Force Academy visual displays will be unveiled at the Colorado Springs Airport tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. The ribbon cutting will be conducted by Academy and Colorado Springs leadership. Scheduled speakers are city Mayor Steve Bach and Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Mike Gould. The purpose of the displays is to recognize the Academy as one of the primary icons of the region. Multiple displays highlight the themes of Academics, Athletics, Military, Leadership, Character and Airmanship, which help comprise the Academy's core pillars. The concept and final design were created during 2012 through joint efforts made by Academy leadership and airport staff. The design is part of an ongoing Terminal Improvement Program. For passengers hurrying through the Colorado Springs Airport, there is now a reason to slow down and look at a new display celebrating Colorado springs as the home of the united states air force academy. Jon Zanone has more. With the mayor of Colorado Springs on hand, the city's airport celebrated the opening of a new exhibit showing one of the city's most famous landmarks. Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, USAFA superintendent: "you fly into Colorado Springs Airport, and they have beautiful windows, and you look out and see the natural beauty. But you didn't get that feeling that you were at the home of the air force academy when you flew in here". A suggestion by General Gould to the newly elected mayor set the project in motion. Mark Earle, director of aviation: "this all started off with a suggestion from general Gould to try to find a way to really highlight the air force academy's presence in Colorado springs at the airport. And that was right in line with our thinking of the airport as a gateway to the community and a way to really say things about the community that are important. Before an installation could begin though, rights to display pictures on the walls of the airport needed to be negotiated with a national advertiser Mark Earle: "clear channel were terrific to work with, and we worked out an opportunity to use a portion of the airport that they had rights to for this display at no cost." The design process took almost a year. It involved close coordination between the public affairs staff and visual information contractors, USAFA leadership and airport officials. Chris Hureau, Denmar services graphic illustrator: "and a lot of it is contributions of course from our own Denmar photo staff." General Gould couldn't be happier now the exhibit is installed. Lt. Gen. Gould: "they did a beautiful job, all of you did. I think this display right here, as you walk the whole length of the terminal, it catches their attention." Hureau: it took some time to do, but now its done, and it looks good, so I’m pleased. Jon Zanone, the united states air force academy. Available in High Definition. More