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.

Iowa Air National Guard Security Forces train at Alpena CRTC

185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard

Video by Senior Airman Tylon Chapman

July 16, 2024 | 1:19

Studio lead:
Iowa Air National Guard Airmen are at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Michigan, for annual training. Senior Airmen Tylon Chapman has the story from Alpena, Michigan.

Video Script:

Airmen from the Iowa National Guard are in Alpena, Michigan, at the Combat Readiness Training Center. The Security Forces Airmen are honing their tactical skills at the Michigan Air National Guard training facility.

Iowa Air National Guard Capt. Casey Ryan says it’s helpful to get away from the unit for a longer period so members can focus on their training.

“Bringing our unit to the CRTC allows us to be extremely efficient with our annual training. They have facilities to work, train, sleep, and eat all in the same area.”

At the CRTC, the Airmen have been training on urban operations techniques, expeditionary skills, and weapons use.

“We also have access to, with a short drive, is a full distance firing range for our heavy weapons and also the ability to take out our rifles to three-to-four hundred meters which we can’t do at home station. Additionally, there is a full MOUT facility, which is fairly comprehensive. It replicates an air base, which again, most guard bases don’t have a full base that they can utilize.”

The training will culminate in a 24-hour field training exercise at the MOUT against simulated opposing forces.

Reporting in Alpena, Michigan, I’m Airman Tylon Chapman More