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.

Grand Prairie-based Army Reserve unit holds Soldier’s memorial

Army Reserve Careers Group

Video by Capt. Mark Halliday, Spc. Jose Lopez Xique

Feb. 16, 2023 | 5:02

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas – The 12th Battalion, Army Reserve Careers Group held a memorial service
Thursday, Feb. 16 for an Army Reserve soldier at the Grand Prairie Armed Forces Reserve Complex. The
unit’s soldiers honored Master Sgt. Jason R. Powell, who died Dec. 3, 2022, after a battle with cancer.

Mater Sgt Powell “was a man of his word and never compromised his integrity” said Lt. Col.
Brian Weimer, the battalion commander. “And most importantly, he always looked out for the welfare of
his Soldiers and constantly put the needs of his teammates before his own.”

Approximately 50 members of 12th Battalion, Army Reserve Careers Group, were present at the
ceremony, which was followed by a solemn procession as soldiers filed past the battlefield cross,
comprised of a pair of boots, rifle, helmet, and dog tags, to render honors to the fallen soldier
individually.

Sgt. 1st Class Wayne Hughes, a close friend and comrade, spoke during the ceremony and
expressed his respect for Master Sgt. Powell.

“(Master Sgt. Powell) had a wide range of experience and knowledge,” Hughes said.
“Master Sgt. Powell was a mentor to me. He helped me learn the job, taught me a lot about life, and I
really do appreciate it".

Maj. Walter McCall, Senior Chaplain of the U.S. Army South Central Chaplain Recruiting Team,
delivered the invocation and spoke during the ceremony, expressing his impressions after reading an
anonymous tribute to Master Sgt. Powell.

“I was able to see the measure of the man he was, and how his influence will continue to move
forward in the lives of those he touched’” McCall said. “The Army has lost a great Warrior who clearly
understood the pride and responsibility of wearing this uniform and serving our Country.”

Master Sgt. Powell served 29 years in the United States Marine Corps, The Army National Guard
and the United States Army, performed a combat tour in Afghanistan, and is an Army Commendation
Medal and Army Good Conduct Medal recipient. He is survived by his wife and four children. More

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LATEST NEWS

“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.”

Air Force & Space Force announce sweeping changes to maintain superiority amid Great Power Competition

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