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.

The First Female Navigators

3d Audiovisual Squadron

Video by Airman 1st Class Rome Bowermaster, Matthew Hester, Airman 1st Class Kailey Viator

Feb. 26, 2022 | 7:11

One of five videos featuring the first Air Force Female Navigators.

In 1975, then-Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David C. Jones, announced the launch of a test program that would enable women to enter pilot and navigator training. In March of 1977 the first six women attended Undergraduate Navigator Training at Mather AFB, California. Five of the first six women graduated from UNT on October 12, 1977 with the class of 78-01, becoming the first female navigators. (U.S. Air Force Video by Mr. Matthew Hester) (Courtesy Graphics by Mr. Todd Holly 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs)

This video was created to celebrate overcoming gender and race barriers in the USAF exactly 45 years since the first female class of navigators began their training. More