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: USS Manchester ship reception

Marine Rotational Force - Southeast Asia

Video by Sgt. Ryan Pulliam

Nov. 2, 2023 | 2:26

U.S. Navy Sailors with Commander, Task Force-73 host a ship reception of the USS Manchester (LCS 14) to U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia, I Marine Expeditionary Force and Royal Malaysian Navy sailors during Maritime Training Activity Malaysia 2023 on Pustakmor Lumut Naval Base in Lumut, Perak, Malaysia, Nov. 2, 2023. The reception featured merchandise, static displays, and tours of the ship in order to showcase the capabilities of the vessel and the Sailors that inhabit it. MTA Malaysia 2023 highlights the 29th anniversary of the cooperation afloat readiness and training exercise series as one of many exercises that allow the U.S. and Royal Malaysian navies to work together, enhancing maritime security and capabilities in the full range of maritime warfare. MRF-SEA is a Marine Corps Forces Pacific operational model which involves planned exchanges with subject matter experts, promotes security goals with Allies and partners, and positions I MEF forces west of the International Date Line. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Ryan H. Pulliam) More