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.

USAJOBS Promo - Japan garrisons

IMCOM-Pacific

Video by R. Slade Walters

Oct. 15, 2021 | 2:58

[Voiceover]
U.S. Army Garrisons are the Army’s epicenter, not only where Soldiers live, but where they train, conduct the day-to-day business of the Army, mobilize and deploy from.

Garrisons provide nearly all of the municipal services of a typical American city – and civilian installation management professionals all over the world keep those cities running every day.

We keep the lights on, keep traffic flowing, and keep Soldiers and Families fed, housed, entertained, and safe.

Wherever Soldiers are, civilian team members are there with them – Japan is no exception.

Civilian team members in Japan enjoy access to Japan’s world-famous cities, popular culture and food – including the best ramen and sushi you’ve ever had – plus familiar flavors, world-class shopping and a host of off-duty activities like amusement parks, festivals and temples.

U.S. military installations in Japan offer affordable shopping in commissaries for groceries and post exchanges for most other consumer goods, all without sales taxes for Army civilians.

The U.S. Postal Service provides mail service to civilian team members in Japan at costs comparable to mailing within the continental U.S.

Army civilians have free access to high-quality Department of Defense Dependents Schools for their school-age children. DoDDS students routinely outperform stateside public school students in reading and mathematics.

Garrison education centers offer affordable undergraduate and post-graduate classes and degree programs from accredited colleges and universities.

Up-to-date community fitness centers are open and free to use for civilian team members and their families with all of the amenities of the some of the nicest commercial fitness centers in the United States.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy jogging, biking and walking trails both on and off of the installations, and golfers won’t be disappointed with access to high-quality golf courses.

[Mr. Deatrick]
“Hello, I’m Craig Deatrick, the director of U.S. Army Installation Management Command – Pacific here with IMCOM-Pacific Command Sergeant Major Jason Copeland. Our team helps to oversee the operation of Army garrisons from Alaska to the Marshall Islands and from Hawaii to East Asia.”

[Command Sgt. Maj. Copeland]
“We need skilled civilian professionals to help support the Army’s missions in Japan. Civilians are a vital part of the total Army team.”

[Mr.Deatrick]
“I have personally served as an Army civilian in Japan and it was one of the most fun, rewarding and challenging parts of my career. Serving in Japan is an adventure that is definitely worth the challenge.”

[Command Sgt. Maj. Copeland]
“If you haven’t already, go ahead and apply for this civilian job in Japan. Good luck!”

[Mr. Deatrick]
“We hope to see you in Japan soon.”

[Voiceover]
Join the team that sustains, supports, and defends the Army’s home in Japan. U.S. Army Installation Management Command, we are the Army’s home. More