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.

Soldiers Test To Earn Their EIB At Fort Benning

Fort Benning Public Affairs Office

Video by Shantika Ogletree

March 4, 2019 | 2:14

More than 400 Soldiers gathered at Fort Benning with their sights set on a single mission: earning their Expert Infantryman Badge.

Hosted by the Black Lions of Task Force 1-28, the rigorous event was conducted over the course of five days. These Soldiers, from both Fort Stewart and Fort Benning, underwent a week of training and a week of rehearsals before finally taking the test.

The EIB is a testament to a mastery of critical individual Infantry skills -- skills that allow them to locate, close with and destroy the enemy. Only the most Infantry-proficient Soldiers prevailed and earned the badge. More