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.

Pease receives 12th and final KC-46A

157th Air Refueling Wing

Video by Tech. Sgt. Aaron Vezeau

Feb. 5, 2021 | 0:56

The 157th Air Refueling Wing has its full compliment of planes following the delivery of a KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueler directly from the factory to Pease Air National Guard Base, Newington, New Hampshire, Feb. 5, 2021.

The arrival brings the base to its full roster of 12 jets.

Shot sequence consists footage of a KC-46A Pegasus landing, airmen marshaling the aircraft, close up of the tanker pilot in cockpit, maintenance workers security aircraft, crowd shots and ends with aircrew beginning to walk down stair truck after holding up the U.S. flag and State of New Hampshire Flag, Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire, Feb. 5, 2021.

The U.S. Flag was held up by U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, director, Air National Guard, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice Williams, command chief, Air National Guard.

The New Hampshire State flag was held up by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David Mikolaities, the adjutant general of the New Hampshire National Guard, and U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Laurie Farris, commander, New Hampshire Air National Guard. More