Reoptimization for Great Power Competition

GPC Key Decisions

USAF Case for Change

SecAF Memo

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.

VMAQT-1 Deactivation Video

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

Video by Cpl. Jason Jimenez

April 28, 2016 | 0:22

This is the official announcement of Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Training Squadron 1's deactivation ceremony. The ceremony will be held at 7:30 p.m. during Friday's air show. We are proud of the legacy VMAQT-1 has built, and ask that you come join us by attending the air show to see their official ceremony.

After VMAQT-1 deactivates, one of the remaining three Prowler squadrons will decommission each year until completion at the end of fiscal year 19. Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Electronic Warfare is what the Marine Corps will transition to as the Prowler is replaced.

VMAQT-1 traces its lineage back to Korea when it was known as Marine Composite Squadron 1, flying electronic counter-measure missions for UN aircraft.

Throughout the years, it was re-designated many times and, alongside the other Prowler squadrons, flew combat missions in support of every conflict ranging from Vietnam to operations in the former Yugoslavia, Operations Iraqi/Enduring Freedom and everything in between.

It wasn’t until the summer of 2013 that VMAQT-1 assumed fleet replacement squadron responsibilities and was officially named VMAQT-1. To date, VMAQT-1 has trained Prowler pilots, electronic countermeasure officers and maintainers, readying the men and women it trains to join the remaining squadrons as they continue to conduct missions in support of joint and strategic objectives. More

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“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.”

Air Force & Space Force announce sweeping changes to maintain superiority amid Great Power Competition

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