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.

347th Rescue Group wins 2023 Meritorious Unit Award

23rd Wing

Video by Senior Airman Rachel Coates

Nov. 1, 2023 | 0:30

U.S. Air Force video that showcases the four squadrons in the 347th Rescue Group; 71st Rescue Squadron; 38th Rescue Squadron; 41st Rescue Squadron; and the 347th Operations Support Squadron in support of congratulating them on their win of the 2023 Meritorious Unit Award. From June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2023, the 347th RQG conducted themselves with excellence in support of 17,200 combat operations in the Middle East and Africa, providing combat search and rescue, saving 161 lives and evacuating 124,000 American citizens and coalition partners from Afghanistan. The group also provided recovery and refueling capability that, in turn, saved 85 American citizens from the U.S. Embassy in Sudan; guaranteed success and safety of 12 NASA astronauts in launch and recovery operations; enabled success of the HH-60W Jolly Green II Program of Record by driving the Air Force’s newest weapons system to an on-time initial operational capability; and completed two combat deployments with the new HH-60W. (U.S. Air Force video by Senior Airman Rachel Coates) More