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.

Fort Benning Graduates First Gender-integrated Infantry One Station Unit Training

Fort Benning Public Affairs Office

Video by Fort Benning Television

May 19, 2017 | 13:44

FORT BENNING, Ga. – A Company, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, graduated 137 new U.S. Army infantry soldiers – including the first 18 women to complete Infantry One Unit Station Training (OSUT).

All the graduates have met the high physical demands of Infantry OSUT and met the same standard as previous Infantry OSUT classes. As the Army’s newest infantry soldiers, they will bear the insignia of the cross-rifles and wears the distinctive blue cord on their Army Service Uniform.

The 198th Infantry Brigade transforms civilians into disciplined Infantrymen who embody the warrior ethos in order to support an Army at war. The drill sergeants are responsible for the conduct and execution of training, leadership, discipline, physical conditioning, and welfare of the trainees during their OSUT; they serve as the company subject matter experts on all tasks associated with training management, the program of instruction, and lesson plans for more than 33 individual and collective training events during a 14-week OSUT cycle. Additionally, they advise the commander and first sergeant on all matters to include planning, resourcing and execution of all training events. More