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.

Rakkasans Case Colors for Europe Deployment

101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

Video by Sgt. Caleb Pautz

Oct. 30, 2023 | 1:08

Soldiers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team (3rd BCT) “Rakkasans”, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) case the unit colors in prior to deploying to Europe during a colors casing ceremony at Fort Campbell, Ky., Oct. 30, 2023. The Rakkasans will be deploying to Romania in support of U.S. allies in Eastern Europe and to deter Russian aggression. “At the end of November this brigade’s colors will be uncased in Romania,” said Col. Ricardo Turner, commander of 3rd BCT, during his address. “Once the cover on these colors is removed, that crisp and bright flag be revealed for all to see. It will provide illumination to an otherwise dark situation. It will provide hope to our allies. It will bring fear to our enemies and give inspiration to every Rakkasan soldier that serves under the banner of those colors.” U.S. Army video by Sgt. Caleb Pautz More