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.

General Laura Richardson

U.S. Southern Command

Video by Sgt. Jameson Crabtree

Jan. 30, 2023 | 7:20

Doral, FL. The commander of U.S. Southern Command, General Laura Richardson speaks at a press conference for the groundbreaking ceremony for the future site of the new military housing complex supporting U.S. Southern Command service members and their families. This will be the first military housing of its kind in South Florida since the devastation caused by Hurricane Andrew resulted in the closure of military housing at Homestead Air Force Base more than three decades ago. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been working closely with the Army since 2020 to transfer up to 51.7 acres of FAA land to the Army for the much-needed housing construction project. This housing project's goal is to enhance U.S. Southern Command’s military readiness and service member quality of life, this complex will address long-standing challenges with housing key and essential service members near the military command and address financial challenges service members face when living in high-cost metropolitan communities. More