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.

Crossover at Kinnick flyover

185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard

Video by Senior Airman Tylon Chapman

Oct. 15, 2023 | 2:20

B-roll video shows the view from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker performing a flyover at the Crossover at Kinnick, Iowa Women’s outdoor basketball game in Iowa City on Sunday, October 15, 2023.

The historic venue for the Iowa Air National Guard pregame flyover featured a refueling aircraft from the Iowa Air National Guard passing over the University of Iowa’s football stadium where the event was held.

The 185th Air Refueling Wing was invited to perform the flyover as the Iowa Hawkeye women took on the Blue Demons from Depual in Iowa City.

The home team flyover is thrilling for unit members who had a chance to be a part of the excitement of Big Ten basketball.

Before returning to Sioux City the KC-135 aircrew made the two-hour round trip to Iowa City where they made a low pass over Kinnick Stadium in the air refueling aircraft.

Demonstrations like Sunday’s flight allow pilots to combine regular training with aerial demonstrations. The event also happed to coincide with the Air Guard unit’s scheduled October training weekend.

Flying demonstrations like the one on Sunday are part of the U.S. Air Force aerial events program that are designed to incorporate training activities with aerial demonstrations. These events also help foster unit morale and contribute to community support.

Lower Thirds:

1st Lieutenant Jack Reis
185th ARW Pilot More