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.

Italian Air Force Tornado Pilots talk Trident Juncture

Natochannel

Video by Courtesy

Nov. 5, 2015 | 2:01

Interview to It.A.F. Tornado IDS Detachment commander and to planning officer

Interview to It.A.F. Tornado IDS Detachment commander
“Hi, my name is Stefano and I come from the 6th Wing in Ghedi. I’m a navigator of the Italian Air Force and I am here as a Detachment Commander for the Tornado IDS. We are here to participate to the Trident Juncture 2015 in the primary role as fighter bomber and close air support asset. Trident Juncture is a great exercise and it has given us the opportunity to train in a real world scenario and it’s given us the chance to work with other nations, which is the best way and the fastest way to reach the highest level of training. And this is our job.”

00:00:34:09
Tornadoes taxiing, taking off and landing

00:01:37:10
Interview to female planning pilot officer
“I’m Sara, I’m from the 6th Wing and I’m a Tornado pilot. During this exercise I train myself in order to improve my skills in planning complex joint operations It has been a great occasion to cooperate with all other allies sharing knowledge between each other, and this is my job”. More