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.

Former Secretary of the Air Force Chief Information General visits 561st Network Operations Squadron

688th Cyberspace Wing

Video by Nadine Wiley De Moura

March 17, 2023 | 2:28

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. William Lord, visited the 561st Network Operations Squadron March 6, 2023 at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. Lord was the first commander to stand up the unit in 1983 when it was called the 2161st Communication Squadron. Notably, Lord was the former Chief of War fighting Integration and Chief Information Officer of the Secretary of the Air Force.

The 561st NOS, also known as Air Force Cyber’s “Workhorse’, is charged with operating the cyberspace security and control system (CSCS) weapon system to deliver mission assurance. Their mission is to engage and eliminate cyber threats. The current commander is U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Alphonso Adams.

During his visit the Air Force Academy graduate engaged with AFA officers at the Squadron, conducted a historical interview with the Air Combat Command Headquarters Cyberspace Capabilities Center Historian, attended a mentorship lunch with squadron officers, and provided a historical brief to the entire squadron. More