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.

Marine from Boston takes advantage of Enlisted to Commissioning Program (Interview)

Marine Corps Recruiting Command

Video by Sgt. Servante Coba

Sept. 9, 2019 | 5:59

Interview with U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Michael McHale at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va, September 9, 2019. McHale speaks about his time as an enlisted Marine and the process to becoming a Marine Corps Officer. The Enlisted Commissioning Program is designed to provide the opportunity for Marines who have earned a four-year degree before enlisting in the Marine Corps or during active duty to serve as Marine Corps officers. Marines who successfully complete the program receive their commission as a second lieutenant. Upon being accepted into the program, McHale completed Officer Candidates Course and the Basic Officer Course. He is now scheduled to attend to Logistics Operations School at Marine Corps Base Camp Johnson, North Carolina, where he will receive the military occupational specialty of basic logistics officer. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Servante R. Coba) More