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.

B-Roll Face Fear … JUMP! Crisis Response Marines Test Insertion Capabilities in Spain

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa

Video by Lance Cpl. Christopher Mendoza

Jan. 27, 2015 | 8:11

Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa fought through the downwash of the MV-22 Osprey to complete their fast rope insertion training at Morón Air Base, Spain, Jan. 27, 2015. The insertion technique allows the Marines to slide down a rope into a variety of difficult landing zones and expands their operational capabilities throughout the region. Two Marines established an anchor point just beneath the Osprey, allowing the Marines above them to slide down in rapid succession and secure their landing zone. Interviews include English and Spanish languages.
Interviews:
Sgt. Floyd Rude, Fast Rope Instructor, Bowling Green, Ohio, native
Cpl. Drew Blais, Team Leader, Northeastern Connecticut native
Sgt. Kevin Perez, Miami, Florida, native More