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.

Video Production: Romania National Day Parade

24th Theater Public Affairs Support Element

Video by Spc. William Dickinson

Dec. 1, 2018 | 1:00

U.S. Service Members participate in Romania’s National Day Parade at Bucharest, Romania, Dec. 1, 2018.

The U.S.’ participation in Romania’s National Day parade in honor of Unification Day shows our continued dedication to working side-by-side with our essential allies.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the unification of Transylvania, Bessarabia, and Bukovina with the Romanian Kingdom in 1918. Romanians celebrate the historical event each year on Unification day, which falls on Dec. 1.

U.S. Army Col. David E. Shank, commander of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, said that we work shoulder to shoulder with Romanian soldiers and they are very strong NATO partners. He added, our relationship helps to ensure security in the region, and our relationship is even stronger now.

Over a few short years, U.S. European Command has significantly increased its presence in Romania. The continued partnership aims to improve regional security and build relationships through regular combined exercises and training.

“Parading along with the U.S. service members on our National Day is yet another sign of the strong partnership that bonds our nations and a clear message of unity in front of the current security challenges,” said Romanian Lt. Col. Constantin Balan, head of the Romanian Ministry of Defense’s Press Office.

The U.S.’ support for Romania’s National Day Parade is a prime example of a collective dedication to detouring aggression and continued Romanian prosperity. More