Frank Kendall: Air Force, Space Force Reorganization a Must to Ensure Competitiveness

The Department of the Air Force has revealed plans to reorganize the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force to ensure a competitive advantage against adversaries.

In a briefing on Monday, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, a past Potomac Officers Club speaker and 2024 Wash100 winner, said the service branches need to address the needs of the current force to stay competitive. He added that the changes must focus on strategic challenges amid the growing competition against China. 

The department grouped the changes into four categories: develop people, generate readiness, project power and develop capabilities, the Space Force said.

To ensure readiness, the re-optimization will implement large-scale exercises and mission-focused training covering multiple operational plans to demonstrate and rehearse complex military operations. It will also restructure key processes related to aviation spares and weapons systems to improve weapon system health. 

The Space Force has been ensuring readiness for conflict. In February 2024, it listed commercial companies that form part of the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve to help the service fulfill its mission in times of conflict.