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.

B-roll: Multinational special forces showcase advanced battlefield tactics at African Lion 2025

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

Video by Staff Sgt. Adam Meyer

May 18, 2025 | 1:31

Multinational special operation forces demonstrate advanced battlefield tactics at African Lion 2025 (AL25), Tifnit, Morocco, May 18, 2025. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army video by Staff Sgt. Adam Meyer)

Shot List:
(00:00:00) Long shot: Helicopter arriving
(00:00:05) Med shot: Helicopter arriving
(00:00:09) Long shot: Rope coming out of helicopter
(00:00:14) Med shot: Soldier fast-roping out of helicopter
(00:00:19) Close up: Soldier fast-roping out of helicopter
(00:00:23) Med shot: Soldier fast-roping out of helicopter
(00:00:28) Long shot: Soldiers fast-roping out of helicopter
(00:00:35) Med shot: Second helicopter arriving
(00:00:41) Long shot: Soldiers exiting helicopter
(00:00:47) Long shot: Soldiers traversing open field
(00:00:53) Med shot: Soldiers assaulting village
(00:00:56) Med shot: Soldiers checking window
(00:01:02) Close up: IDF Soldier controlling robot
(00:01:08) Med shot: IDF Soldier moving robot
(00:01:12) Long shot: Soldiers setting tripod system
(00:01:17) Close up: Soldier setting rope for tripod system
(00:01:21) Med shot: Soldier being lowered into tunnel
(00:01:25) Long shot: IDF Soldier being lowered into tunnel More