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.

Operation Combined Victory: Interviews

Security Force Assistance Command

Video by Staff Sgt. Cory Reese, Spc. Jonathan Vitale

Feb. 1, 2024 | 20:34

Security Force Assistance Command held the second iteration of its validation exercise, Operation Combined Victory, for three of our forward-deploying SFABs; 1st, 2nd and 54th SFAB, which is a unit within the Indiana National Guard.

The joint exercise took place at the Indiana National Guard's Camp Atterbury and one of the nation's premier training facilities, Muscatatuck Training Center, and incorporated joint operations with U.S. Air Force Advisors to simulate their role in large scale combat operations.

OCV provided a realistic scenario that stressed decision-making in an everchanging operational and information environment, testing Advisors' ability to assess, support, liaise, and advise a replicated partner force in conflict. The exercise utilized one of the best urban training environments available to US forces and enabled joint training that replicates threats associated with current theaters of operation.

For more information on America's Army Advisors and to volunteer, go to www.army.mil/sfab More