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.

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) supported the efforts of its mission partners to help ensure the success of the 2013 Presidential Inauguration.

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling

Video by Joseph P Cirone

Jan. 24, 2013 | 6:18

WASHINGTON (Jan. 24, 2013) Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) supported the efforts of its mission partners to help ensure the success of the 2013 Presidential Inauguration. From the skies above, to the water below and the surface of the ground, Army. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel at JBAB, along with the U.S. Secret Service and White House Communications Agency had roles to play to ensure the safety and security of the nation and the many thousands of people who live, work and visited the National Capital Region during the ceremonial events. JBAB's command leadership operated from the Emergency Operations Center, maintaining constant communications with military and civilian authorities and utilized the National Incident Management System to ensure that they maintained a common operating picture and effective base security and operations before securing operations mid-day on Tuesday. U.S. Navy video by Joseph P. Cirone, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling/Released. More