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.

Aircrew Life Support facility

321st Air Expeditionary Wing

Video by Master Sgt. Eugene Taylor

Sept. 21, 2011 | 1:38

Lead: Heat and dirt are the enemy of anyone who looks after sensitive electronic equipment. So, how do ITAM-Air advisors help the Iraqi’s protect their flight equipment, such as night vision goggles and communications gear? Air Force Master Sergeant Gene Taylor shows us how sometimes protecting your investment, is as simple as moving offices. SCRIPT: Air Crew Life Support personnel care for and store everything from flight helmets, to night vision goggles. At Camp Taji, the old Iraqi air crew life support office was not the best place to work on and store electronics gear. MSgt Corey Miles – (:12) “it was improperly insulated for this environment in Iraq with the high temperatures, it had quite a few intermittent electricity issues, as well as extremely dirty.” TSgt Will Adams—(:11) “We also needed more space, because they’re supposed to increase the air crew maybe by threefold, so the old facility didn’t really support that.” With an additional two million dollars worth of new gear on the way, ITAM-Air advisers worked with the Iraqi command, and moved the equipment for over 100 pilots and crew into this new facility. Now, they have more space, a clean, climate-controlled storage area, and better security. It’s also the same building the pilots are briefed in, saving time as well. MSgt Miles – “prior, they would all have to load up in a van, drive over to another facility, exit van, pick up gear, so now, they all go from mission planning to this shop here, grab their equipment and then step to the aircraft”. Camp Taji’s Advise and Train mission is scheduled to close by the end of the year. One of the advisor’s legacies will be this new facility--making it easier for Iraqi technicians to maintain their equipment, and support their growing air power. Air Force Master Sergeant Gene Taylor, Camp Taji, Iraq. There are sound bites from Master Sgt. Gene Taylor, Master Sgt. Corey Miles, Supervisor, Aircrew Flight Equipment whose hometown is Little rock, Ark. and whose home base is Wyoming ANG and Tech Sgt. Will Adams, NCOIC, Aircrew Flight Equipment whose hometown is Pensgrove, N.J. whose home base is Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. Also available in high definition. More