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.

100 ARW Spark Tank - Integrated Communication Respirator System

100th Air Refueling Wing

Video by 1st Lt. Nathanael Callon, Senior Airman Kelly OConnor

Nov. 1, 2018 | 2:08

We’ve revolutionized the way we train new maintainers at RAF Mildenhall by envisioning and designing the confined space trainer. We’ve bridged the gap in training between when new maintainers arrive on station and the three months it takes for medical clearance to get in the tank.

We realized through the confined space trainer’s implementation that there is clear communication and immediate feedback between the trainer and trainee. They can communicate without barriers. This is a huge improvement in the quality of training. The next step is obvious – find a way to remove the communication barrier in an aircraft fuel tank.

The technology exists individually, but no technology exists for our KC-135 maintainers here, especially when they enter the tank. They are cut-off from the outside world.

If divers, racecar drivers, and astronauts have unique bi-directional audio and video technology, why shouldn’t we have the same technology?

The immediate benefits are saved man-hours and increased efficiency by reducing the number of times personnel enter and exit the tank. This capability leads to synergized troubleshooting, since immediate audible and visual communication would exist between the maintainer in the tank and their support outside, whether that be peers or engineering experts back in the States.

Most importantly, the direct monitoring of personnel and confined space conditions drastically reduces risk and increases safety.

The $500,000 investment can help our Airmen execute the mission here and beyond. This system will be a game changer for the Air Force. More