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.

Delta IV NROL-47 Launch

Space Launch Delta 30

Video by Tech. Sgt. Kurt Villavicencio

Jan. 12, 2018 | 1:04

Team Vandenberg successfully launched a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket carrying a National Reconnaissance Office payload from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA on Friday, Jan. 12, at 2:11 p.m. PST.

Col. Greg Wood, 30th Space Wing vice commander, was the space launch commander.

"This was an incredibly important launch for the 30th Space Wing and our mission partners," said Wood. "The entire team - the 30th Space Wing, the National Reconnaissance Office, United Launch Alliance, and others - worked hand-in-hand to ensure this launch was safe and successful. This was an outstanding effort by everyone."

This satellite was launched aboard a Delta IV Medium (5,2) configuration Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle. Established by the U.S. Air Force, the EELV program provides assured access to space for Department of Defense and other government agencies. More