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.

Le Mars Iowa Army Guard Soldiers return from deployment

185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard

Video by Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot

April 14, 2021 | 3:41

Soldiers from the Le Mars, Iowa based C-Troop 1-113th Cavalry of the Iowa National Guard returned to Iowa this week after a 10-month deployment to the Horn of Africa.

The contingency of nearly 90 soldiers landed at the Iowa Air National Guard facility in Sioux City where they had a brief, formal welcome home ceremony before loading on buses for the short 30 minute trip back to their homes in Le Mars and surrounding communities.

The parade of buses made their way through the Northwest Iowa town, eventually making their way to the National Guard armory for a long awaited reunion with family members.

The contingency of returning soldiers also included a small group of soldiers from the 1/168 Infantry Regiment from Council Bluffs. These soldiers had been deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Over the course of the past ten days more than 600 deployed Iowa Soldiers have returned to the Hawkeye State following lengthy deployments. The majority of these soldiers were from the 133rd Infantry Battalion based in eastern Iowa communities of Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Davenport.

The group from Le Mars is the last group of deployed Iowa National Guard soldiers to arrive home as communities from around the state celebrate the return of their Soldiers.

Returning Soldier, Specialist Beau Solberg was greeted by his parents at the Le Mars armory. Solberg said the deployment was rewarding but he is looking forward returning to college in the fall while continuing his membership in the National Guard. Solberg’s inspiration for joining the Army National Guard is his dad Roger who recently retired after nearly forty years in the Iowa Guard.

B-roll video includes interviews with Solberg and his dad who have both served in the Iowa Army National Guard.

Lower thirds:
Specialist Beau Solberg 1-133 Cavalry Iowa National Guard
Beau’s Dad, Master Sgt. (Retired) Roger Solberg More