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.

207th Military Intelligence Brigade - Theatre, participates in their Best Squad Competition

207th Military Intelligence Brigade (Theater)

Video by Sgt. Joaquin Vasquez-Duran

March 7, 2025 | 0:59

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 522nd Military Intelligence Battalion, HHC, and 307th Military Intelligence Battalion competed in the Best Squad Competition, Mar. 2025, on Vicenza, Italy. Testing their physical fitness, tactical skills, and teamwork. The three-day event challenged Soldiers through the ACFT, STX lanes, obstacle course, marksmanship, land navigation, a 12-mile ruck, and an NCO board to determine the top squad. The winning team will advance to the INSCOM Best Squad Competition, representing the brigade at the next level.

The U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) provides multi-discipline intelligence, security, and information operations support to Army, joint, and coalition commands worldwide. INSCOM synchronizes its operations with other intelligence assets at the national and strategic levels to ensure commanders receive timely, relevant intelligence. More