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.

Retirement in Honor of Chaplain (MG) Thomas L. Solhjem

Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington

Video by Cpl. Rhianna Ballenger, Stephen Bates, Spc. Semaj Johnson, Sgt. Zachary Myers, Sgt. Jessica Rutledge

June 20, 2023 | 01:23:40

Chaplain (Major General) Thomas L. Solhjem was recognized for his 48 years of service in the United States Army and United States Army Reserves during a General Officer retirement ceremony conducted by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" ceremonial units of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington (MDW) held at Conmy Hall, Fort Myer, Virginia, June 31, 2023. Chaplain (Major General) Thomas L. Solhjem became the United States Army's 25th Chief of Chaplains on June 20, 2019. He is ordained as a minister and endorsed as an Army chaplain by the General Council of the Assemblies of God; and he has served in multiple key assignments and on multiple deployments, supporting a wide array of Army units and soldiers. As the Chief of Chaplains, Chaplain Solhjem leads the Army Chaplain Corps in providing religious support to the soldiers, families, and civilians of the U.S. Army. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1974. After completing his initial active duty assignment at Bamberg, Germany, he continued his military service in the Army Reserve at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. He served as a pastor in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for six years. In 1988, he was commissioned as a chaplain in the United States Army and reentered active duty. More