Reoptimization for Great Power Competition

GPC Key Decisions

USAF Case for Change

SecAF Memo

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.

Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service Conduct Night Fire Training Mission

Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve

Video by Sgt. Rodney Roldan

Aug. 20, 2018 | 1:59

Members of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service, 2nd School conducted a night fire training mission, to include troop movement, sniper training, and firing of .50 cal machine gun at the Besmayah Range Complex outside of Baghdad, Iraq. The exercise began with snipers firing on target location, followed by troop movement to the objective. Upon completion of the training at the objective, troops were transported via convoy and advanced on simulated targets along their route back to the starting location. This type of training is conducted in order to capitalize on the strategic or tactical advantages with which possession or control of a particular area denies the advantage to an enemy such as the Islamic State. Coalition Forces assisted CTS instructors with training members on safety, protocol and procedure when it came to properly firing a .50 cal machine gun, movement to the objective, room clearance, responding to IED attack. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Rodney Roldan) More