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.

Otis Microgrid ribbon cutting ceremony

102nd Intelligence Wing

Video by Staff Sgt. Thomas Swanson

Aug. 29, 2018 | 2:00

The 102nd Intelligence Wing held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the initial operating capability of the installation’s newly completed, energy independent microgrid system on Wednesday, August 29, 2018.

The keynote speaker for the event was the Honorable John W. Henderson, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Energy.

The Otis Microgrid provides for an energy capability almost exclusively based on renewable energy while ensuring a high-level of grid security. In addition to providing energy resiliency for the 102nd Intelligence Wing’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance mission, it increases value to the Air Force and National Guard as well as state and Federal government through revenue and research opportunities for the energy industry. The Otis Microgrid reduces reliance on fossil fuels and takes advantage of wind power. The energy security and resiliency provided by the microgrid is critical to the 24/7 mission of the 102nd Intelligence Wing. More