Reoptimization for Great Power Competition

GPC Key Decisions

USAF Case for Change

SecAF Memo

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.

B-Roll: 1st Armored Division Soldier receives Bronze Star Medal (2 of 3)

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

Video by Staff Sgt. Kris Bonet

July 11, 2019 | 6:19

Spc. Collin Jackson, a fire support specialist with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, received the Bronze Star Medal with a V device at Fort Bliss, Texas, July 11, 2019, for valorous acts during Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Afghanistan.

Jackson was attached to Special Forces Operations Detachment A as an infantry uplift soldier on August 16, 2017. That day, he and his teammates found themselves under heavy fire from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria at Mohmand Valley, Southern Nangarhar, Afghanistan.

Jackson moved wounded personnel to a casualty collection point, assisted with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and returned fire with a 60mm mortar, destroying enemy positions with six mortar rounds.

Speakers: Lt. Col. Jon Fausnaugh, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment commander and Col. Michael Trotter, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division commander.

Speakers: Lt. Col. Jon Fausnaugh, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment commander and Col. Michael Trotter, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division commander.

U.S. Army video by Staff Sgt. Kris Bonet More