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.

U.S. Military Conducts Foreign Disaster Relief Operations Working Alongside Armed Forces of the Philippines

Marine Rotational Force - Southeast Asia

Video by Cpl. Brian Knowles

Nov. 24, 2025 | 3:02

At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. military is working alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines to provide foreign disaster relief support to communities affected by consecutive Typhoons Kalmaegi (Tino) and Fung-Wong (Uwan), which caused extensive damage and tragic loss of life. The forward presence and ready posture of United States Indo-Pacific Command in the region facilitates rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Brian Knowles) This video contains images from a USMC enterprise licensed asset from Adobe Stock: 3 versions of Philippines map city vector by thin black outline simplicity style, Black dot style and Dark shadow style. All in the white background. Performed by stu-khaii/stock.adobe.com This video contains images from a USMC enterprise licensed asset from Adobe Stock: Philippine currency icon in flat style. Basic vector symbol illustration by Recoonde/stock.adobe.com This video contains images from a USMC enterprise licensed asset from Adobe Stock: Hurricane icon Clip Art design. Line icons by witty/stock.adobe.com This video contains music from a USMC enterprise licensed asset from Audiio. This video contains open-source news clips. More