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.

Makin Island Conducts FAS and FARS Operations

USS Makin Island (LHD 8)

Video by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kendra Helmbrecht

March 20, 2023 | 0:53

Amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) conducts a fueling-at-sea (FAS) with guided-missile destroyer USS Chung Hoon (DDG 93) and forward arming and refueling ship (FARS) operations with forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6) via an F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), embarked with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), March 15-16, 2023 in the East China Sea. Makin Island ARG’s ability to operate simultaneously on shore, sea, and in the air allows them to respond with flexible, adaptable force packages that are capable of a wide array of missions. Makin Island and America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, conducted FARS operations in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely operating with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific Region. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kendra Helmbrecht) More