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.

Soldier trains for Olympics through competition

U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit

Video by Maj. Michelle Lunato

March 29, 2019 | 6:52

Spc. Tim Sherry, a Littleton, Colorado native, is currently seeking a spot on the 2020 Olympic Team in both the 50m Smallbore/Thee-Position Rifle and 10m Air Rifle events. Training to make the Olympic Team takes countless hours of practice on the Home of Champions' ranges at Fort Benning, Georgia. And invaluable experience is also gained in competitions leading up to Team USA selection, which is determined by two Olympic Trials.

This b-roll package shows smallbore/three-position rifle relays and finals from USA Shooting's March 2019 Spring Selection Match at Fort Benning, Georgia. (No 10m Air Rifle events are shown in this footage. That is another b-roll package.)

In the Spring Selection Smallbore Event, Sherry placed with the Silver Medal, earning himself a spot to World Cups Beijing and Munich, as well as the 2019 Pan American Games. More