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.

Oregon National Guard Participates in Vigilant Guard, Part 2

Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Office

Video by Master Sgt. Thomas Hovie

May 2, 2012 | 7:39

Oregon Guardsmen participating in Exercise Vigilant Guard. The video shows emergency evacuations being conducted at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field, in Eugene, Oregon. This training will better prepare first responders in this area for the 2012 Olympic Trials being held at this location this summer. Casualties are evacuated by Black Hawk helicopters and by ambulance to a collection point for further medical attention. This training is part of an emergency response exercise named Vigilant Guard conducted by multiple agencies across the state as well as National Guard representatives for other western states. Oregon was selected to participate in the exercise by the Department of Homeland Defense. Soundbites from 1st Lt. Mark Timmons. Video by Master Sgt. Tom Hovie, Office of Public Affairs Oregon National Guard. More