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.

Ohio’s 1-145th Armored Regiment receives Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (A-Roll/interviews)

Ohio National Guard Public Affairs

Video by George Davis

Oct. 31, 2023 | 6:30

Wheeled vehicle mechanics and maintainers of the Ohio Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 145th Armored Regiment gathered to receive training on the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) at Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center in Newton Falls, Ohio, Oct. 31, 2023. The JLTV provides Soldiers significantly more protection against multiple threats while increasing mobility and payload compared to the current Humvees fleet. The fielding of this current generation of tactical vehicles is part of a Department of the Army directive to modernize National Guard equipment so that units achieve readiness and capabilities commensurate with their active-duty counterparts. The 1-145th AR is aligned with the Minnesota Army National Guard’s 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division. (U.S. Army National Guard video by George B. Davis, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs)

Interview 1: Capt. Kevin Smith
Training Officer, 1st Battalion, 145th Armored Regiment

Interview 2: Spc. Jacob Arnold
Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, Company H, 134th Support Battalion More