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.

Interviews 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) deployment to the Eastern Mediterranean

XVIII Airborne Corps Public Affairs

Video by Sgt. Jacob Bradford

March 12, 2024 | 3:17

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Brad Hinson, Commander of 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, and Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Pugh, 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), talk about JLOTS, U.S. Army watercraft and 7th TBX's deployment.

On March 12, 2024, U.S. Army Vessels SP4 James A. Loux (LSV-6), USAV Monterrey (LCU-30), USAV Matamoros (LCU-26), and USAV Wilson Wharf (LCU-11) from the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, XVIII Airborne Corps, departed Joint Base Langley-Eustis en route to the Eastern Mediterranean.

These vessels will establish a roll-on, roll-off pier capability that allows ship-to-shore humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.

In 60 days, the roll-on, roll-off pier will be fully operational, able to facilitate the delivery of up to 2 million meals daily. Loux, Monterrey, Matamoros and Wilson Wharf are carrying equipment and supplies needed to establish a temporary pier to deliver vital humanitarian supplies. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Jacob Bradford) More