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.

Sailors assigned to JS Ise (DDH 182) compete against HMAS Adelaide (L01) during RIMPAC 2018 championship soccer game

Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet

Video by Petty Officer 3rd Class Omar N Rubi

July 1, 2018 | 0:56

180701-N-HT995-1592 PEARL HARBOR (July 1, 2018) Sailors assigned to Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Destroyer helicopter ship JS Ise (DDH 182) compete against the Royal Australian Navy landing helicopter dock ship HMAS Adelaide (L01) during the championship soccer game on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam at the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2018 exercise July 1. There were 20 teams competing in this years soccer tournament. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships and submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2018 from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Omar Rubi) More