Reoptimization for Great Power Competition

GPC Key Decisions

USAF Case for Change

SecAF Memo

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.

SRBIJA 2018 - Interview with Lt. Col. Tim Grady, Ohio Air National Guard

Ohio National Guard Public Affairs

Video by Capt. Paul Stennett

Oct. 9, 2018 | 0:45

Ohio National Guard members participated in “Serbia 2018,” a consequence management exercise that involved an earthquake scenario; a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear response; water rescue; and urban search and rescue, Oct. 8 -11, 2018. This exercise allowed Ohio National Guard members the opportunity to participate in the 18th Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Center (EADRCC) exercise, one of the largest exercises organized by NATO. It was the first time the Republic of Serbia has hosted the event, which included around 2,000 personnel from almost 40 countries.

Interview with Lt. Col. Timothy Grady, commander of 121st Air Refueling Wing Civil Engineering Squadron, Ohio Air National Guard More