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.

Interview with Italian Air Force 155th Squadron Commander

Natochannel

Video by Courtesy

Nov. 3, 2015 | 2:26

Interview with Italian Air Force Tornado Detachment Commander followed by B-Roll of tornado activity.

Videographer: OR-5 Vincenzo Gaetano

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Shotlist:
00:00:00:00
Interview starts

“Good morning, I am the Commander of the 155th Squadron of the 50th Wing of the Italian Air Force. Our Squadron is equipped with the Tornado ECR. This aircraft has special sensors that allow us to detect and locate enemy threats in order to suppress them and support all the aircraft that are flying with us. Here in the Trident Juncture exercise we are flying combined operations and in these missions we are able to support the other aircraft using our emitter locator system and missile HARM AGM-88. This is a passive sensor missile that allows us to degrade and deny the enemy surface to air defense. We are flying missions with all the participating nations and we especially refuel with the Canadian and German tankers, along with the Italian one and of course we use the tactical data link capability to exchange information among all the aircraft participating. This exercise is a very valuable training for the all the aircrews and will allow us to get to the highest readiness in our role.”
“I love to fly and that is my job and I am proud to be the 155th Black Panthers’ commander. Trident Juncture 2015: always ready”

00:01:49:02
Italian A.F. 50th Wing’s Tornadoes taxiing and taking off More