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. Navy's First East Coast Cruiser-Destroyer SWATT

Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC)

Video by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jesse Marquez Magallanes

Nov. 17, 2018 | 1:03

Multimedia video highlighting the U.S. Navy's First East Coast Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Cruiser-Destroyer (CRUDES) Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) exercise. SWATT exercises are designed to increase the lethality and tactical proficiency of the Surface Fleet. The exercise was led by Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC). CRUDES warships from USS Abraham Lincoln CSG completed the exercises. Ships also completed Live Fire With a Purpose exercises throughout the at-sea training period. Participating CRUDES units included Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), USS Mason (DDG 87), USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), USS Gravely (DDG 107), and USS McFaul (DDG 74).

Music courtesy of Bensound.com More