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.

U.S. Army Medical Readiness Command Best Leader Competition, CSM validation

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Video by Pfc. Carlos Marquez

March 12, 2025 | 1:51

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Kalani Kalili, command sergeant major of Medical Readiness Command, Europe, oversees the U.S. Army Medical Readiness Command Best Leader Competition for validation on Grafenwoehr Training Area, Bavaria, Germany, March 12, 2025. The validation ensures the competition meets standards before challenging Soldiers in endurance, tactical skills, and leadership under pressure to enhance readiness. (U.S. Army video by Pfc. Carlos Marquez)

Shot list:
00:00:06:00 - Command Sgt. Maj. Kalani Kalili, Medical Readiness Command, Europe, walks the training grounds on Grafenwoehr Training Area.
00:00:11:00 - U.S. Soldiers are assessed while maintaining security positions during the validation exercise.
00:00:15:00 - Soldiers transport a simulated casualty under combat conditions.
00:00:20:00 - U.S. Soldiers assess validation competitors on tactical medical tasks.
00:00:25:00 - Close-up of Soldiers applying a tourniquet to a simulated casualty.
00:00:30:00 - Soldier transmits a 9-line MEDEVAC request for the simulated injured.
00:00:35:00 - Panning shot of Soldiers dragging a simulated casualty to safety.
00:00:42:00 - Low-angle shot of Soldiers moving a simulated casualty down a dirt road.
00:00:48:00 - Soldier evaluates competitors’ proficiency in medical procedures.
00:00:53:00 - Soldiers conduct a low crawl while transporting a simulated casualty.
00:00:58:00 - Overhead shot of Soldiers maneuvering under fire with a simulated casualty.
00:01:03:01 - U.S. Soldiers exit the low-crawl obstacle with the simulated wounded.
00:01:08:01 - Two Soldiers drag a simulated casualty while teammates follow in formation.
00:01:13:01 - Soldiers navigate rough terrain while carrying a simulated casualty.
00:01:18:01 - CSM Kalili gestures toward an obstacle, assessing the training lane.
00:01:23:01 - U.S. Soldier briefs competitors on the next validation task.
00:01:29:01 - Soldiers safely extract a simulated casualty from a Stryker medical vehicle.
00:01:34:01 - Soldiers apply a tourniquet to a simulated casualty during treatment.
00:01:41:01 - Validation competitors perform a head bandage application on a simulated casualty.
00:01:46:01 - U.S. Soldiers move past a medical Stryker vehicle, continuing the exercise. More