The U.S. Army emphasizes the need for interoperable, off-the-shelf technology to enhance its modernization efforts, particularly for its Next Generation Command and Control initiative. Lt. Gen. Maria Barrett advocates for modular, platform-independent capabilities that can function effectively at the tactical edge, especially in challenging environments. This approach aims to reduce technical debt and improve operational flexibility, allowing commanders to adapt quickly on the battlefield. Barrett stresses the importance of designing systems with real-world scenarios in mind to ensure they are effective under actual combat conditions, advocating a focus on usability in denied and degraded environments.