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.

41st Field Artillery Brigade Soldiers conduct drivers training and ammunition holding area operations in arctic conditions

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Video by Spc. Sar Paw

Feb. 26, 2025 | 1:43

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade conduct drivers training and ammunition loading operations on a High Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck during Exercise Joint Viking 25 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 26, 2025. The training provided U.S. Soldiers with valuable experience conducting operations effectively in arctic conditions. Exercise Joint Viking 25 is a multilateral training event aimed at enhancing the U.S. Army's ability to collaborate with Arctic allies and respond rapidly to crises in Arctic terrain. The exercise involved U.S. Soldiers, Marines, and personnel from Norway, the Netherlands, Finland, Germany, Denmark, and Great Britain, focusing on cold-weather skills and cooperation among Allied forces.(U.S. Army video by Spc. Sar Paw)

Shot list:
00:00:05:00 Opening slate
00:00:15:08 41st Field Artillery Brigade Soldiers conduct drivers training in an arctic training Field
00:09:32: Soldiers drive M1068 on ice
00:00:51:01 Soldiers operate M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System on ice
00:00:58:20 A soldier ground guides High Mobility Tactical Transport to the transport location
00:01:04:18 Soldiers conduct ammunition loading operations on a HEMTT
00:01:09:26 Soldiers open the side of HEMTT
00:01:17:28 Soldiers raise static line for transporting rocket pods
00:01:25:14 Soldiers transport rocket pods using the HEMTT
00:01:35:17 Wide shot of Soldiers transporting rocket pods on HEMTT
00:01:43:14 Soldiers assemble M2 machine gun
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