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.

NRFI Update on Design the Force

Commander, Navy Reserve Force

Video by Cmdr. Sean Foertsch

March 9, 2023 | 2:13

Vice Adm. John Mustin, Chief of Navy Reserve and Commander, Navy Reserve Force and Rear Adm. Ted LeClair, Deputy Commander, Naval Surface Force Fleet, provide a progress update on the “Design the Force” line of effort of the Navy Reserve Fighting Instructions (NRFI). NRFI’s other three Lines of Effort include Train, Mobilize and Develop the Force. NRFI is Vice Adm. Mustin’s action plan for the Navy Reserve fully attaining and maintaining peerless warfighting readiness.

Transcript:
Vice Admiral Mustin: Team…Vice Admiral John Mustin, Chief of Navy Reserve, here, with a progress update on the Reserve Force transformation you’ve heard we’re working through the Navy Reserve Fighting Instructions.

I’m joined today by my friend, Rear Admiral Ted LeClair, who is leading the “Design the Force” line of effort. I’m counting on him to design and deliver combat credible units and leading-edge capabilities needed for the high end fight. Ted, what have you and your team been working on?

Rear Adm. LeClair: thank you, CNR.

Shipmates, the Design the Force line of effort has been laser-focused on identifying and delivering Navy warfighting capabilities that are best suited for the reserve component.

We have analyzed every reserve billet and unit for its fit with our imperative to provide strategic depth. We divested reserve capacity that adds little or no warfighting contribution and invested in capabilities and capacity that provide Navy and joint force warfighting readiness.

We are growing our Reserve Force in capabilities like maritime operations centers, search & rescue swimmers, afloat maintenance and repair, maritime air operations, and naval special warfare to name just a few.

We added VLS re-load teams and expeditionary logistics capabilities, invested in manpower for the KC-130 fleet, and added augment unit manpower for CMV-22, a new platform in the Navy Reserve Force.

These design decisions not only make the Navy Reserve a more lethal, resilient, and survivable force, they also provide challenging and rewarding opportunities for SELRES Sailors to serve in meaningful roles that contribute directly to our nation’s security.

Sir, back to you.

Vice Adm Mustin: Thank you, Ted. Really nice work there on consequential issues that will shape our contribution for decades.

Team, while Rear Admiral LeClair and his team are moving out on the “Design the Force” line of effort, we are also moving forward on three other lines of effort: Train the Force, Mobilize the Force, and Develop the Force. Stay tuned for more updates from the leaders that are making it all happen.

Keep up the great work, Shipmates. We still have much to do.

Now, let’s get busy. More