Reoptimization for Great Power Competition

GPC Key Decisions

USAF Case for Change

SecAF Memo

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.

Camp Zama community members make kites with Sagamihara Giant Kite Preservation Association

U.S. Army Garrison - Japan

Video by Daisuke Sato

April 6, 2022 | 3:30

Narration:
Japanese paper, bamboo sticks and string—those few materials are all that were needed for community members to make traditional Japanese kites during an event held April 2nd at Sagamihara Family Housing Area in collaboration with the Sagami Giant Kite Preservation Association.

Interview: Sabrina Tsai, Manager, Arts and Crafts Center, Camp Zama MWR

Narration:
During the event, kite-making professionals from the association explained the process step by step for how to make the kites. They assisted the attendees with some of the more intricate steps in order to build a good, flyable kite. After the building process, it was time to fly the kites. The participants moved outside and used the wind to get their creations up in the air.

Interview: The Nelson Family

Interview: Katsiaryna and Valentina Quandt

Interview: Katsushige Kawasaki, Chairman, Sagami Giant Kite Preservation Association

Interview: Katsushige Kawasaki, Chairman, Giant Kite Preservation Association
It was great to see children running around on such a beautiful day and trying to fly the kites they made with their parents. I think this was a great event.

Narration:
At the end of the event, Sagami Giant Kite Preservation Association members, along with the participants, got to fly a 1.8-square-meter kite that Sagamihara City had donated to the Camp Zama community. On the kite was written the kanji character “Taishi,” which means “ambition” or one’s aim in life. The red color represents the sun, while the green represents the earth.

Interview: Kentaro Motomura, Mayor, Sagamihara City
It was great that today’s event allowed members of U.S. Army Japan and our fabulous Sagami Giant Kite Preservation Association to collaborate and make Japanese kites together.
I talked to Col. Tomlinson about possibly continuing this event next year. We would like to continue building our great relationship through culture and art.

Interview: COL Christopher Tomlinson, Commander, U.S. Army Garrison Japan

Narration:
Reporting for U.S. Army Garrison Japan Public Affairs, this is XXXXXXX. More