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.

Southwest Asia's Dentist Has Special Guest

379th Air Expeditionary Wing

Video by Senior Airman Renee Carberry

March 15, 2012 | 1:41

A trip to the dentist is typically routine but for a Military Working Dog Handler deployed to a separate base in the region, this was no ordinary visit. The handler's dog, M-W-D Roy, broke a tooth, forcing the both of them on a journey to the 3-79th Air Expeditionary Wing. M-W-D Roy needed a temporary fix until he could get to a treatment facility that would allow for a root canal. The veterinarian here invested the help of the on-base dental clinic staff for imperative equipment and tools, such as flowing oxygen, k-9 clamps, I-Vs, a heating blanket, and proper assistance needed to help the 90-pound Malinois. (mal-in-wah). After a few scares and complications, M-W-D Roy awoke from his procedure healthy and as good as new. Reporting from Southwest Asia, I'm Senior Airman Renée Carberry. Soundbites include SSgt. Joel Brooks - USAF, 405th ESFS, Military Working Dog Handler; Lt. Col. Rick Eckert - USAF, 379th AEW, Dentist and 1st Lt. Maria Harris - USA, 422nd MVDS, Veterinarian. Produced by SrA. Renee Carberry. Also available in High Definition. More