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.

CBRN Soldiers train at Dugway Proving Ground during Operation SOREX [B-Roll]

20th CBRNE Command

Video by Marshall Mason

Aug. 24, 2023 | 10:07

The 48th Chemical Brigade, the U.S. Army’s only active-duty brigade specializing in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defense, conducted a Sample Operation and Reconnaissance Exercise (SOREX) in Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, Aug. 14 – 25.

SOREX is a comprehensive validation exercise focused on sample management operations from the point of collection through final disposition.

Col. Johannie San Miguel, commander of the 48th Chemical Brigade, explained the purpose of the exercise was not only to validate their standard operating procedures, but to prepare each Soldier to perform these missions during large-scale combat operations.

Additionally, San Miguel recognized those organizations key to the exercise’s overall success.

Personnel from the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command, Special Operations, 1st Area Medical Laboratory, CBRNE Analytical Remediation Activity and various interagency partners offered their expertise to make the training as close to real life as possible. More