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.

982nd Combat Camera Co Airborne Water Survival Training

300th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Video by Spc. Andrew Baba, Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Florence, Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Scott

May 19, 2012 | 1:35

982nd Combat Camera Company (Airborne) has several highly covenanted slots. Here at Six Flags White Water, Soldiers are being familiarized with what exactly water and full gear fell like together. In the event of a water landing after jumping out of an aircraft or simply having to cross a body of water, Soldiers can build confidence that they came overcome planned or unplanned water obstacles. CPT Raymond Childress, the commander of the 982nd, was in the water almost the entire training time as we takes a hands on approach to make sure he knows each Soldiers reactions to the training. Interviews were conducted with two Soldiers; SPC Amber Stephens and SPC Joshua Lowery, but of the 982nd. None save 3 of the Soldiers trained had ever trained in water like this before. Many were so new to the Army they have yet to go to basic training. As Soldiers in the 982nd Combat Camera Co, their missions would include being attached to other units who preformed high operational tempo, high risk missions. Units may include infantry, special forces, scouts, etc. Therefore Soldiers of the 982nd need to be in good shape and as fearless as the unit they are attached to. The 982nd is Headquartered in East Point, GA, and does individual and small team missions constantly. Currently they have Soldiers in several overseas locations documenting via video and still camera items of particular interest to the battle field commanders. Also available in high definition. More

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“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.”

Air Force & Space Force announce sweeping changes to maintain superiority amid Great Power Competition

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