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.

B-Roll: US, Tunisian Armed Forces collaborate in forensic lab during African Lion 2025

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

Video by Staff Sgt. Brian Jones

April 28, 2025 | 1:40

Members of the U.S. Army Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center and Tunisian Armed Forces collaborate in Bizerte, Tunisia, April 28, 2025, during exercise African Lion 2025 (AL25). This partnership highlighted the shared commitment to enhance multinational forensic capabilities and operational readiness. AL25 is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 40 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army Reserve Broll by Staff Sgt. Brian D. Jones.)

Shot List
(00:00:00) LONG SHOT: Forensic Centre
(00:00:10) MEDIUM SHOT: Serial number etching/dyes
(00:00:20) CLOSE SHOT: Serial number etching
(00:00:30) MEDIUM SHOT: Fingerprint spray/glow
(00:00:40) MEDIUM SHOT: Turning on Light for Glow
(00:00:50) CLOSE SHOT: Glow light
(00:01:00) CLOSE SHOT: Blue Light
(00:01:20) LONG SHOT: Lab facility shot
(00:01:30) CLOSE SHOT: Blue Light More