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.

Five nations participate in the USAREUR-AF International Tank Challenge

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Video by Spc. Elijah Magana

Feb. 15, 2025 | 1:07

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Armored Division share their experience on Feb. 15, 2025 as a part of the U.S. Army Europe and Africa International Tank Challenge at 7th Army Training Command’s Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The USAREUR-AF International Tank Challenge builds tactical skills and enhances esprit de corps across the 11 crews from five participating Allied and Partner for Peace nations. Tankers from Denmark, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland and the United States compete against each other across 10 graded events conducted during seven days as part of the USAREUR-AF International Tank Challenge.

-SOUNDBITES-

(00:05) U.S. Army Spc. Fue Vang, M1 tank crew member assigned to 1st Armored Division:
“The challenges overall in the UITC (USAREUR-AF International Tank Challenge) have been physical, mental, emotional. It’s a high pace. Day to day waking up, going after it. The rest is very minimal, so you’re high-stress. And all of the other nations are going at it every day. I just hope the best for all five nations, may the best man win. But at the end of the day, we’re here to fight, we’re here to train, and we’re here to do damage.”

(00:35) U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Detre Varju, M1 tank commander assigned to 1st Armored Division:
“The International Tank Challenge, currently we have 11 teams here. Very professional subject matter experts across the board.”

(00:47) U.S. Army Spc. Jesus Mejia, M1 tank crew member assigned to 1st Armored Division:
“It’s been really fun out here. Great learning experience seeing all these other countries and their vehicles as well.” More