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.

Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

Video by Courtesy

Jan. 1, 2016 | 2:18

In 1942, the Marine Corps planners chose Barstow as a secure inland site to
protect critical supplies and equipment against possible Japanese attack.
In November 1978, the Base was re-designated to its present title of Marine
Corps Logistics Base to emphasize its broad logistics support mission.

Barstow offers 3 million square feet of covered storage and
approximately 30 million square feet of open lot storage. These facilities
house half of the Marine Corps' capability for ground maintenance and
supply.

At Barstow, military and civilian personnel support Marine Corps forces west
of the Mississippi, the Far East and Asia with logistics, maintenance and
transportation. The installation ensures that equipment is stored, tested,
distributed and maintained to best support the operating forces.

The desert climate, with its low humidity and lack of precipitation, helps
preserves facilities and equipment. Cost savings are achieved from the lack
of climate control.

Barstow is located close to ground, air and rail transportation nodes to
allow for faster delivery to southwestern military installations. More