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.

690th Cyberspace Operations Squadron Koas host Wing leadership immersion

688th Cyberspace Wing

Video by Nadine Wiley De Moura

July 21, 2023 | 2:59

Ever wonder what our teammates across the pacific at the 690th COS are up to? Well wonder no more!
While attending the 690th COS Change of Command Ceremony the 690th Cyberspace Operations Group and 688 CW Wing A/2/3 leadership visited the squadron and received immersion briefs to gain a more intimate understanding of the squadrons mission.

The leadership team included Col. Mickey Jordan, 688th Cyberspace Wing A/2/3 Director and 690th Cyberspace Operations Group Commander and his senior enlisted leader Senior Master Sgt. Veronica Babauta. Also in attendance was 690th Cyberspace Control Squadron Deputy Director, Henry Hall, and his senior enlisted leader, Master Sgt. (select) Rebecca Hogue.

Leadership visited each section of the Squadron to meet with Airmen and hear about how they operate on a day to day basis.

The Airmen of the 690th COS also known as the KOAS which stand for "warrior" or "valiant one in Hawaiian. The Squadron puts a special effort into maintaining unit morale by branding their sections with unique graphics and hosting Koa Aloha days where the Squadron participates in team sports and physical fitness to build cohesion and spirit de corps.

The 690th Cos is comprised of roughly 122 Airmen and is “Wired for War” with a mission to operate the Cyber Security and Control System to support the warfighter.

The Squadron is located in the historical building that houses the eternal flame in the courtyard of heroes. The flame burns in memory of the of the Pacific Servicemembers that were called upon in World War II, Korea, and Southeast Asia and made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Around the building there are still markings from the impact that the attack on pearl harbor. They serve as a reminder to servicemembers who work there of the sacrifices of those who came before them as well as the need for preparedness in their day to day missions.

At last after coining and recognizing the Airmen on the operations floor the leadership experienced a true Hawaiian send off. The Koas welcomed the leadership team to their Squadron den and allowed them to take a spin on their electric bikes and in a traditional Koa’loha day of physical training on the beach. More