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.

David D. Terry Lock and Dam Dewatering

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District

Video by Jay Woods

Sept. 2, 2021 | 1:23

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District is currently conducting dewatering maintenance operations at David D. Terry Lock and Dam near Scott, Ark. This is the first time this specific lock chamber has been dewatered since 2000.

The closure structure was in place by Aug. 27 and maintenance workers began pumping water out of the lock chamber. The chamber was empty of water by the end of the day on Aug. 28.

The lock was dewatered to inspect the structural integrity of underwater components, complete critical maintenance task and perform multiple other inspections.

During the dewatering the major tasks performed will be the inspection and repair of the metal components of the lock gates. Especially components that are continually under water.

The lock chamber of David D. Terry Lock and Dam measures 110 feet wide and 600 feet long.

Maintenance is very critical to ensure the lock stays operational. This year approximately 10 million tons of commodities has passed through David D. Terry Lock and Dam.

David D. Terry Lock and Dam is part of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year.

The MKARNS serves a 12-state region, due to the Port of Catoosa being the most westerly inland river port that is ice free 24/7/365. The states include Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, and Idaho. Four are designated Foreign Trade Zones on the MKARNS at the Ports of Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Muskogee and Catoosa. 42 countries have traded commerce with the Arkansas River Basin Region via the MKARNS. Inland waterway transportation supports around 70,000 jobs in water transportation and around 800,000 jobs at industries dependent on barge-oriented commodities. 2018 tonnage on the entire McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System totaled 10.9 million tons, with a value of $3.5 billion. More