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.

Defense Leaders Speak on DOD Nuclear Weapons Programs

Defense.gov

Video by Courtesy

May 20, 2025 | 01:21:31

Energy Department senior leaders address the Senate Armed Services Committee’s strategic forces subcommittee on atomic energy defense activities, Defense Department nuclear weapons programs, fiscal year 2026 budget and future years defense program during a hearing in Washington, May 20, 2025. Testifying are James J. McConnell, acting principal deputy administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration; Roger A. Jarrell II, principal deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Environmental Management; Navy Adm. William J. Houston, director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program; Brandi C. Vann, performing the duties of the assistant secretary of defense for nuclear, chemical and biological defense programs; David A. Hoagland, the National Nuclear Security Administration’s acting deputy administrator for defense programs; Air Force Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command; and Navy Vice Adm. Johnny R. Wolfe Jr., director for Strategic Systems Programs. More