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.

Behind the Triad Paintball

Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office

Video by Claudia Neve

Nov. 21, 2023 | 3:32

In this episode of Behind the Triad, Fort McCoy Deputy Garrison Commander Lt. Col. Michael Corkum learns about the Paintball facilities with recreation assistant Neil Chittendon at Whitetail Ridge Ski Area at Fort McCoy, Wis. Tactics Paintball and laser tag also is located at Whitetail Ridge. Groups of 6 or more can be accommodated April through November. Reservations are required 48 hours in advance. Fort McCoy's Whitetail Ridge Ski Area provides the Fort McCoy community and the public with multiple opportunities for outdoor winter recreation. The 200-acre facility also is used for military training. Whitetail Ridge is operated as a nonappropriated-fund activity, and all improvements to this recreation area are paid for using nonappropriated-fund dollars. For complete details, including hours, costs, and restrictions, visit https://mccoy.armymwr.com/programs/paintball-and-laser-tag. People can also find out more about Fort McCoy's Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation by visiting https://mccoy.armymwr.com or by going on Facebook to https://www.facebook.com/mccoymwr. (U.S. Army Video by Claudia Neve, Public Affairs Office, Fort McCoy, Wis.) More