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. Army Marksmanship Unit National Trophy Rifle Match Standing B-Roll

U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit

Video by Lt. Col. Michelle Lunato

Aug. 1, 2025 | 1:23

The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Service Rifle Team won the National Trophy Rifle Team Match during the National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio August 1, 2025. Their score of 2916-95x beat 21 other 6-man teams from across the country who came to the Civilian Marksmanship Program's annual matches. The prestigious course of fire involved four stages at varying distances and positions, with a focus on accuracy and speed. It included standing slow-fire, kneeling or sitting rapid-fire, prone rapid-fire, and prone slow-fire. Each stage had specific time and shot limits, and the course was designed to test a shooter's versatility and skill. During the match, winds ranged from 8 to 20 mph, adding in another layer of challenging. Team members included: Spc. Zevin Linse, Sgt. 1st Class Alexander Deal, and Staff Sergeants Jared Desrosiers, Jarrod McGaffic, Verne Conant, and David Bahten. Spc. Adam Fitzpatrick and Staff Sgt. Shane Butler served as the team coach and captain. This b-roll package includes the standing position. There is a separate package for rapid-fire seated and rapid-fire prone. More