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.

Immediate Response / Centaur 21 B-Roll

21st Theater Sustainment Command

Video by Spc. Katelyn Myers

May 24, 2021 | 4:28

DEFENDER-Europe 21 activities continued this week in the Petrochori Training Area in Greece, with a combined live fire exercise between U.S. and Hellenic forces called Centaur Response 21. The exercise, which marks the largest U.S. Army contingent to train in Petrochori, set the conditions to maximize interoperability and operational efficiency between the U.S. and Hellenic Army units, as well as minimize coordination delays at the time of need.
The United States is committed to deepening the military-to-military relationship with Greece, to the benefit of the United States, Greece, and the NATO Alliance.
DEFENDER-Europe is an annual large-scale U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led, multinational, joint exercise designed to build strategic and operational readiness and interoperability between U.S., NATO allies and partners.
(U.S. Army video by Spc. Katelyn Myers) More