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.

Best Redleg Competition Winners 2024 - 13F - 75th Ranger Regiment - Sgt. Keegan Reimer

Fort Sill Public Affairs

Video by Edward Muniz

May 15, 2024 | 1:00

Sgt. Keegan Reimer, a 13F in the 75th Ranger Regiment, talks about his experience competing in the Gen. Raymond T. Odierno Best Redleg Competition 2024. He and his squad were crowned the Best Redlegs for their MOS. They went through a week of grueling tasks, including the Army Combat Fitness Test, Peden Confidence Obstacle Course, ESB lanes, an 11.5-mile ruck, night infiltration and more.

The U.S. Army Field Artillery School (USAFAS) and the Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill (USAFCoEFS) hosted the inaugural 2024 GEN. Raymond T. Odierno Best Redleg Competition at Fort Sill, Oklahoma from May 9-14, 2024 to identify the top howitzer crews, fire direction centers (FDC) sections and fire support teams (FiST) from across the U.S. Army. Testing focused on Field Artillery fundamentals in a representative tactical scenario that promotes technical competence, professionalism and brilliance in the basics.

The Gen. Raymond T. Odierno Best Redleg Competition is an integral part of the Field Artillery Branch’s pursuit of excellence and continuous effort to enhance the overall combat effectiveness of the Field Artillery warfighter to provide timely and accurate fires. This inaugural event will focus on the fundamentals, promote esprit de corps and the exchange of best practices through healthy competition and rivalry. More