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.

Enhancing Quality of Life at Camp Arifjan: USACE Cuts the Ribbon on the Unaccompanied Officers

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Expeditionary District

Video by Catherine Carroll

April 23, 2024 | 2:12

Set within the austere terrain of the Kuwaiti desert, Camp Arifjan is pivotal for U.S. military operations in the Middle East and serves as a temporary home for many. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Expeditionary District is transforming living conditions with the construction of the Unaccompanied Officers Quarters, a sleek, comfortable facility for 300 U.S. military officers. The project, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting attended by key USACE, U.S. Army Central, Kuwait Ministry of Defense, Kuwait Armed Forces, and U.S. Embassy officials on April 23, marks a significant enhancement of service member life at Camp Arifjan.

“This project in particular holds great importance as it directly enhances the quality of life for our military members deployed to Camp Arifjan and underscores our commitment to their well-being and readiness in fulfilling their missions. This project perfectly aligns with the mission and goals of the Transatlantic Division by providing essential engineering, construction, and contingency support to ARCENT and U.S. CentralCommand. Camp Arifjan's significance as a key base in the Middle East necessitates continuous improvements in force protection and quality of life. This initiative strengthens our ability to effectively operate in the region."." – Brig. Gen. William C. Hannan, Jr., USACE Transatlantic Division commanding general.

(Video footage courtesy of Kalyn Chism, USACE Transatlantic Expeditionary District Safety chief) More