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.

AF Cycling Team RAGBRAI 2014

185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard

Video by Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot

July 20, 2014 | 2:36

It’s called the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa, or “RAGBRAI”. It is a week-long bicycle touring event that organizers claim is the longest and largest of its kind, in the world.
The event has grown into a monstrosity compared to its humble beginnings; and today tens of thousands descend on the Hawkeye state each summer to participate in the event.
RAGBRAI has become the premier event for the Air Force Cycling Team, with over 100 riders, the Air Force Team is the largest Military Team and one of the largest teams overall. For Team Air Force, RAGBRAI is a bit more like a family reunion; it is a time when team members can get together, renew old acquaintances and promote the Air Force along the way.
Senior Master Sgt Larry Gallo is the Air Force Team director and RAGBRAI veteran, he says RAGBRAI is a great opportunity to tell the Air Force story to a large captive audience, but it is also a great moral boast.
Each year the event has these riders starting in the west part of the state bordered by the Missouri River and ending in the east in a town on the Mississippi River. In just seven days the riders cover nearly 500 miles, all while meeting new people and spreading the Air Force message.
Lt Col John Pugh, a KC-135 pilot with Alabama Air National Guard says it’s the people that keep him coming back each year.
If you are a member of any branch of the Air Force and you are interested in joining the team you can look them up on AFCYCLING.COM. Available in high definition. More