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.

AR-MEDCOM Connect to Protect Video Series, Part III - Maximilian

Army Reserve Medical Command

Video by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Hernandez, Staff Sgt. Jerry Zuetrong

March 19, 2026 | 12:45

This video is the third entry in the "Connect to Protect" series, in which Soldiers tell their individual stories in struggling with behavioral health challenges, their road to recovery, and methods and best practices to attain and maintain resiliency throughout their lives.

Speaking on request of anonymity, "Maximilian" goes into his personal story about his experiences with abstract reality - one traumatic event after another - ultimately exceeded his threshold for hardship. Thankfully, he prevails through the bleakest episode in his life through the support of his family, friends and members of his military network.

Army Reserve Capt. Oliver Pedraga, the suicide prevention program manager of the Pinellas Park, Florida-based Army Reserve Medical Command, gives additional context of the video in the introduction and encourages all Soldiers, Families and Civilians to always connect to ensure protection, and reaching out is always encouraged and never forbidden.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. In the U.S., call 988 (then press 1) or text 838255 for the Veterans Crisis Line - free, confidential support is available 24/7.

*****DISCLAIMER*****

This video discusses sensitive topics, including suicidal ideations and mental health challenges.

The storyteller remains anonymous for privacy.

All clips shown are royalty-free and are used for illustration.

Viewer discretion is advised.

(U.S. Army Reserve video by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher A. Hernandez and Staff Sgt. Jerry T. Zuetrong; with additional B-roll by Staff Sgt. Nick Vidro, Sgt. Addison Shinn, Sgt. Natalie Kooz, Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Roldan, Daryl Vaca and Edric Thompson)

The following music tracks are used through license with Epidemic Sound:

Song - Da Capo
Artist - Gavin Luke

Song - From the Past
Artist - DEX 1200

Song - Under a Cloud
Artist - Across the Great Valley

Song - What Lies Ahead?
Artist - Tellsonic More