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.

Syrian Democratic Forces Update

Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve

Video by Sgt. Brigitte Morgan

July 18, 2018 | 2:48

Syria Democratic Forces Spokesperson, Kino Gabriel, gives an update on the offensive operations to clear Syria of ISIS, a newly graduated engineering unit and a visit by SPE Brett McGurk.

Script:

Syrian Democratic Forces progressed 15 kilometers in the Northern Deir Ezzor countryside this past week. Our forces with Coalition ground and aerial support have been targeting ISIS locations and militants from two axis as part of the second phase of Operation Roundup.
The SDF also made progress in the Middle Euphrates River Valley. Our forces managed to advance 1000 meters in the Hajin frontline, where they cleared several houses, eliminated tens of ISIS militants including one commander, and dismantled IEDs left by Daesh.

The Syrian Democratic Council held its third conference yesterday. With an attendance of around 300 members from all over Syria. We congratulate our friends at the conference as they are the representation of SDF political will. Our friends reaffirmed our commitment to a political solution for the Syrian crisis through a Unified Democratic non-centralized Syria. We continue our support for the SDC and the commitment to their political solution points for Syria.

Prior to the Syrian Democratic Council meeting, last week Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, Brett McGurk, visited Raqqa and met with the Raqqa Civil Council and visited some of the locations of various revitalization and stability projects; like Souk Al Hal water station and Raqqa Fire Station. Special Presidential Envoy McGurk said he is confident that the US would continue its presence and support for the Syrians to restore essential services.

The Deir Ezzor civil council and coalition forces continue to work with the SDF to provide these essential services to the people of Deir Ezzor to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. Coalition forces provided two ambulances to the Deir Ezzor civil council which will be used in Swar, the ambulances will provide transportation in the MERV to the newly refurbished Swar clinic.

Additionally, the SDF graduated its first engineering unit after a training with Coalition partners, they learned the skills needed to construct new bridges that will replace those destroyed by ISIS, graduates finished their first project the Jarniyah Bridge and they are ready to continue their commitment to rebuilding Syria.

Recovery for our wounded, glory to our martyrs, freedom and democracy for all Syrians

Thank you More