The U.S. Air Force is executing a strategic overhaul to counter China’s military might, leaving many wondering how this bold move will unfold.
At a Glance
- The U.S. Air Force is reorganizing under “Reoptimization for Great Power Competition” to counter threats from China.
- This includes consolidating commands and creating composite wings.
- Agile Combat Employment (ACE) will scatter operations across smaller Pacific bases.
- Congress requires more details on the reorganization’s impact and budget.
Reoptimization for Great Power Competition
The U.S. Air Force plans to restructure its operations through an initiative called “Reoptimization for Great Power Competition.” This ambitious drive aims to tackle the growing military threat posed by China’s emerging forces. The restructuring will integrate acquisition and operational functions to increase efficiency across military branches. Additionally, major commands will consolidate into single units, allowing diverse aircraft like fighter jets and bombers to operate collectively for enhanced readiness.
Among these changes is the development of a “composite wing” strategy, enabling different aircraft to be controlled under one command structure. This restructuring is partly a response to China’s advancements, including the expansion of their Rocket and Strategic Support Forces. Effectively organized, the Air Force seeks to ensure combat readiness and efficient deployment of resources.
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall warned that China has strengthened its military to prepare for a possible war with the U.S. Therefore, the American military needs to optimize its forces to counter this escalating threat. pic.twitter.com/MYWhKMgjF0
— Spotlight on China (@spotlightoncn) September 15, 2023
Agile Combat Employment Strategy
The Air Force is deploying an Agile Combat Employment (ACE) strategy, dispersing air operations across smaller, varied bases in the Pacific to mitigate risks from potential missile strikes. The approach includes leveraging civilian airports and austere airfields to ensure operational flexibility while adapting traditional military defense strategies. This distributed network is intended to strengthen active defenses and counter possible missile threats.
“I would feel more confident if we had a more robust active base defense” – Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin
Bamboo Eagle, an exercise testing these new operations, demonstrated the ability to practice command and control without traditional structures. The Air Force and Army are collaborating on missile defense strategies, focusing on mobile defenses that can move and adapt as necessary. Camouflage and deception techniques are also evolving to enhance base safety from emerging threats.
Challenges and Congressional Scrutiny
The restructuring of the U.S. Air Force comes amidst budget constraints and the need to justify these sweeping changes to Congress. Lawmakers are demanding comprehensive justification and budget assessments, emphasizing the significant reduction in U.S. combat aircraft compared to past decades. Although the Air Force has adapted to various historical conflicts, the current challenge involves facing a rapidly expanding Chinese military force.
“The old-school things of camouflage, concealment and deception are still alive and well,” Allvin said.
The reorganization seeks not only to enhance readiness and response capabilities but also to transform training models to prepare airmen for multiple roles within a streamlined command. This plan underscores the complexity of tackling great power competition, with doubts on whether the reorganization alone can counter China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force threats.
