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: Soldiers train with M249 light machine gun in preparation for E2B

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

Video by Sgt. Michael Westendorf

Sept. 16, 2025 | 1:28

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade practice with the M249 light machine gun before testing on the weapon lanes at Grafenwöhr Training Area, Grafenwöhr, Sept. 17, 2025. Weapon lanes are part of the Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB) and Expert Soldier Badge (ESB) testing, collectively known as E2B, which tests candidates' physical and mental abilities while executing critical individual tasks. The week-long testing event, from Sept.18-23, includes a fitness assessment, land navigation, soldier tasks, and a 12-mile ruck march that participants must pass to earn their badge. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Michael Westendorf)

(B-roll shows close-up and medium shots of a Soldier training in procedures to load, fire and perform functions check on an M249 squad automatic weapon.) More