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.

U.S. Marine Corps pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312 conducts fixed-wing air-to-air refueling during Exercise Nordic Response 24 (B-Roll)

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

Video by Cpl. Christopher Hernandez

March 11, 2024 | 3:27

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Kevin Williams, a native of Oslo, Norway, and an F/A-18 Hornet pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts fixed-wing air-to-air refueling during Exercise Nordic Response 24 over Finland, March 11, 2024. Exercise Nordic Response is designed to enhance military capabilities and allied cooperation in high-intensity warfighting scenarios under challenging arctic conditions, while providing U.S. Marines unique opportunities to train alongside NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Christopher Hernandez)

This B-Roll contains the following:
GoPro footage of U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Kevin Williams flying an F/A-18D Hornet,
GoPro footage of U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Kevin Williams conducting fixed-wing air-to-air refueling in an F/A-18D Hornet. More