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 Executes HIMARS Training During Exercise Tiger Balm 24"

305th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Video by Sgt. Teresa Cantero

May 15, 2024 | 2:48

U.S. Army Soldiers from 94th Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Field Artillery Brigade, 7th Infantry Division (ID) execute a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) M142 Launch Sequence Table with the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) M142 at Yakima Training Center, Washington, on May 15, 2024, in preparation to provide artillery support during Exercise Tiger Balm 24.
Exercise Tiger Balm 24 is a bilateral Theater Security Cooperation Program exercise between the U.S. Army and the Singapore Armed Forces designed to enhance both nations’ capabilities through military cooperation. This year, the FTX encompasses deliberate targeting in artillery and aviation, along with techniques, and procedures, alongside air-ground integration by both the U.S. and Singapore Armed Forces, employing Multi-Domain concepts of operations. Tiger Balm 24 marks the 43rd year of collaborative training between the U.S. Army and Singapore Armed Forces. More