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.

C-17, C-130 operate out of Northwest Field during Valiant Shield 24

35th Fighter Wing

Video by Staff Sgt. Kristen Heller

June 8, 2024 | 4:38

A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 317th Airlift Wing out of Dyess Air Force Base and a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 6th Airlift Squadron, 305th Air Mobility Wing out of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakenhurst operate out of Northwest Field, Guam in support of Valiant Shield 24, June 9, 2024. The C-130s are essential for tactical airlift mission delivering personnel and cargo to forward operating bases and austere airfields, enhancing operational readiness and flexibility. The C-17s are playing a crucial role by transporting troops, equipment, and supplies, ensuring rapid mobility and logistical support across the region. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allow the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service and with our allies to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Kristen Heller) More