The U.S. Air Force has initiated changes to its restructuring plans, which were originally detailed by former leaders. This update involves the introduction of a revamped “reoptimization plan” announced by Air Force Secretary Troy Meink and Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach in a memo on a recent Tuesday.

Key components of the original reoptimization plan from February 2024, presented by former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and former Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin, will remain. These include large-scale exercises aimed at preparing the Air Force for potential major wars and the establishment of short-notice unit readiness inspections. However, several significant initiatives are being discarded, such as transforming the Air Education and Training Command into an Airman Development Command and the intended creation of an Integrated Capabilities Command (ICC).

The ICC was designed to centralize planning for long-term requirements, but the Air Force officially announced in October 2023 that these plans would be scrapped. Instead, the ICC’s functions will be incorporated into a restructured version of Air Force Futures by April 2024. Additionally, plans to reorient the Air Combat Command (ACC) to better prepare forces for combat are also being abandoned. The ACC will retain its focus on organizing, training, and equipping “combat-ready airmen.”

Under the revised reoptimization plan, the Air Force has opted not to form any new air base wings, although existing wings will be maintained. The service will continue utilizing the Air Expeditionary Wing 2.0 approach, which allows deployed wings to handle most command-and-control and base operating support functions. This approach is intended to reduce change fatigue among airmen, thereby allowing commanders to focus on readiness and operational success.

Notably, elements of Kendall and Allvin’s plan will still be implemented. The multi-capable airmen concept will carry on, training personnel in multiple job functions to ensure they can adapt to different roles when necessary, especially during major conflicts. The Air Force also plans to continue its warrant officer program, which has successfully produced over 100 new warrant officers in the past year, focusing on enhancing technical expertise in critical areas like cyber and information technology.

Stephen Losey, the air warfare reporter for Defense News, covered these developments, emphasizing the Air Force’s strategic focus on maintaining operational readiness amidst evolving global threats.