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.

We Guard America's Skies Otis Air National Guard Base

102nd Intelligence Wing

Video by Tech. Sgt. Thomas Swanson

Sept. 20, 2019 | 5:23

DVD video of the 102nd Fighter Wing taken by the 1st Combat Camera Squadron on June 22, 2004 at Otis Air National Guard Base, Mass.

Sleeve notes:

The 102nd Fighter Wing was born in the spring of 1921 as the 101st Observation Squadron, Massachusetts National Guard. In 1940, the 101st was inducted into federal service and was then moved from Logan Airport to Otis Field at Camp Edwards, Mass. The 102nd's conversion to the F-15 marked the first Air National Guard Air Defense Unit to receive the Eagle. The 102nd Fighter Interceptor Wing was redesigned the 102nd Fighter Wing in April 1992. The 1,000 men and women of the 102nd Fighter Wing live out their motto: "Omnis Vir Tigris," (Everyone a Tiger)

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On April 6, 2008 the 102nd Fighter Wing was re-designated to the 102nd Intelligence Wing which now provides worldwide precision intelligence and command and control along with trained and experienced Airmen for expeditionary combat support and homeland security. More