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.

Aqueduct Racetrack NY (January 28, 2021)

New York National Guard

Video by Maj. Michael O'Hagan

Jan. 28, 2021 | 6:33

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New York State agencies have come together in support of state efforts to provide mass COVID-19 vaccinations administered by the New York State Department of Health at Aqueduct Racetrack located in Resorts World Casino New York City, Queens, New York, January 28, 2021.
The National Guard has a growing number of Guardsmen and women deployed to the vaccination site to support staffing for the site. The New York State Department of Health conducts vaccination efforts, at the Aqueduct Racetrack, for essential workers and members of the community over age 65 beginning January 14, 2021. Eligible members of the public can register for a vaccine appointment through the Department of Health website: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-vaccines.page. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Maj. Michael O’Hagan)
All participants have provided permission to appear in this media product.
In order of appearance:
Ira Greenberg, incident commander and Assistant Commissioner at New York State Homeland Security & Emergency Services.
Yamil Speight-Miller, deputy incident commander and New York State tax complaint agent, assigned to the New York State Department of Health.
Dr. Yomaris Pena, medical director on-site, assigned to the New York State Department of Health.
Dr. Vanessa Baracaldo, pediatrician, assigned to the New York State Department of Health.
Elena Pierce, a registered nurse, assigned to the New York State Department of Health.
U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Dennis O’Hara, the officer in-charge, assigned to the 1 Battalion 258th Field Artillery, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Infantry Division.
U.S. Army Spc. Yeonju Kim, assigned to 14th Finance Detachment, 27th Finance Management Battalion, 369th Sustainment Brigade, 53rd Troop Command.
U.S. Army Pfc. Bolutife Finni.
U.S. Army Pfc. Stefany Delacruz.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Whitman Chan, assigned to the 1569th Medium Truck Company, 369th Sustainment Brigade, 53rd Troop Command. More