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.

Indiana Army National Guard at Toxic Lance 2023 (B-Roll Package, Part 2)

Indiana National Guard Headquarters

Video by Sgt. Hector Tinoco

April 17, 2023 | 6:12

Indiana National Guardsmen from the 438th Chemical Company train with fellow U.S., Slovak, Czechia and Hungarian soldiers during Toxic Lance at Lest Military Training Area in Lest, Slovakia, April 17-28, 2023. Slovaks and Hoosiers who specialize in chemical, biological radiological or nuclear disasters conducted training in a simulated toxic chemical environment and gained confidence in their skills, equipment, techniques and procedures. The exercise is a part of Indiana’s partnership program with Slovakia that builds troop strength and readiness for Hoosiers and Slovaks. Through cooperative NATO training exercises and key-leadership engagements, military forces from Slovakia and Indiana build lasting relationships, enhance capabilities and increase cultural awareness. More