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.

A Wounded Hero's Return

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

Video by Maj. Richard Barker

April 5, 2018 | 10:00

He was forced to evacuate Afghanistan in 2012. In order to leave on his own terms, he returned in April 2018. Follow his journey of loss, discovery, defeat, and herosim. This is the story of Staff Sgt. (Ret.) John Hosea.

Reporter: Maj. Richard Barker reporting for Train, Advise, and Assist Command South, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Interviewee #1: Rick Kell, Executive Director for Feherty's Troops First Foundation

Interviewee #2: Staff Sgt. (Ret.) John Hosea, Wounded Warrior and President of Operations for the Nathan Tyler Davis Foundation

Interviewee #3: Chaplain Maj. Patrick Devine, Chaplain for Train, Advise, and Assist Command South

During his trip Hosea was welcomed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, where he was greeted by the Soldiers of Train, Advise, and Assist Command South. TAAC-South Soldiers are comprised of Soldiers from the 40th Infantry Division, of the California National Guard, and the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. The event was hosted by TAAC-South Commander Brig. Gen. John Lathrop. More