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.

Three F35's Fly Over Gulf of Mexico

Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

Video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason Isaacs

Feb. 1, 2019 | 8:07

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla (Feb. 1,2019) Three F-35C Lightning ll, attached to Commander, Joint Strike Fighter Wing, the “Argonauts” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, the "Rough Raiders" VFA 125 and the "Grim Reapers" VFA 101 complete a flight overhead at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Feb. 1, 2019. The Grim Reapers will deactivate later this year to consolidate assets at VFA-125 at Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif (NASL). Commander, Joint Strike Fighter Wing, headquartered at NASL ensures that each F-35C squadron is fully combat-ready to conduct carrier-based, all-weather, attack, fighter and support missions for Commander, Naval Air Forces. With its stealth technology, advanced sensors, weapons capacity and range, the F-35C will be the first 5th generation aircraft operated from an aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy Video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Isaacs/Released) More