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.

Ohio National Guard members play role in conservation of training facility (WITH LOWER THIRDS)

196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Video by Sgt. Tommie Berry

Oct. 10, 2020 | 2:40

Ohio Guard members help facilitate and participate in a controlled deer hunt October 10, 2020, at Camp James A. Garfield in Ravenna, Ohio. This particular hunt was a women's 50/50 hunt which requires the primary applicant to be a woman. The event was created as an effort to get more women involved in the outdoors and hunting. Together, the Ohio National Guard, Camp James A. Garfield environmental office and the Ohio Division of Wildlife work to facilitate controlled deer hunts as a conservation effort to preserve the training facility's natural resources. More