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.

Strengthening resilience to protect our populations (international)

Natochannel

Video by Courtesy

June 11, 2021 | 1:10

We don’t know exactly what new challenges are ahead of us, but we can help preparing our countries’ capabilities and infrastructure, and exercise together so we’re ready to face any threat. Whether it’s ensuring our military forces can effectively operate in peace, crisis or conflict, or tackling cyber or armed attacks, terrorism or the effects of climate change, resilience is our first line of defence and underpins our ability to defend each other. Resilience is a national responsibility and a collective commitment. NATO helps Allies evaluate their level of preparedness with baseline requirements to make sure that their systems, infrastructure and services – in vital sectors such as transport, energy, communications, health, and food and water – are ready no matter how demanding the circumstance. Looking to the future, we are taking steps to take an even broader and more coordinated approach to resilience. The #NATO2030 initiative is about the future of NATO: making sure that our Alliance remains ready today to face tomorrow's challenges, and how NATO will continue to keep us safe in the next decade and beyond. Footage includes shots of NATO and Allied exercises. More