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.

Operational Washdown & Agricultural Inspection Training Video

Visual Information Directorate-NMLPDC

Video by Thomas Webster

Aug. 2, 2023 | 20:50

Operational washdown and agricultural inspection procedures help to ensure all biological materials are completely removed before transport in the US and abroad.

This video does the following for Navy & Marine Corps Commands:
• Defines why it’s critical to properly clean equipment and conveyances, removing any biological materials, before transport.
• Describes the steps to plan and prepare for washdown, including required equipment.
• Demonstrate the washdown process step by step, with focus on common problem areas.
• Explain the agricultural inspections required after washdown is complete.
• Provide resources and points-of-contact for additional information.

The US Navy and Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, NECE, follow several Department of Defense policies, instructions and manuals for the control of pests and invasive species. Guidance for recommended procedures to prevent introduction of invasive species is summarized in the Armed Forces Pest Management Board’s Technical Guide 31 and its supplements. Navy and DoD instructions, policies, US regulations, and other service specific instructions, referenced in the video, should be reviewed and followed in conjunction with this video. This video is separated in the following 5 Modules:

• Module 1: Introduction & Overview
• Module 2: Planning & Preparation
• Module 3: Washdown Process
• Module 4: Actions & Inspection After Washdown
• Module 5: Resources

For questions or comments concerning this training, please contact the Navy Entomology Center of Excellence (NECE). NECE offers additional information and training and has a website with additional technical information, https://www.med.navy.mil/Navy-and-Marine-Corps-Force-Health-Protection-Command/Field-Activities/Navy-Entomology-Center-of-Excellence/. More