Army Shifts Focus to 40% Functional Tech for Command and Control Software Development

The U.S. Army is adopting a new approach to technology acquisition, prioritizing functionality over perfection. Gen. Pat Ellis of the 4th Infantry Division announced a shift to accepting technology that meets 40% of operational needs, allowing soldiers to provide feedback for further development. This method is being applied to the next-generation command-and-control software and vehicle systems like the M1E3 Abrams tank. The Army is moving away from traditional acquisition models that demanded complete compliance with lengthy requirements.

Published Mar 29, 2026

The U.S. Army is changing its technology acquisition strategy by accepting solutions that are only 40% functional, as stated by Gen. Pat Ellis of the 4th Infantry Division.

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This new approach allows soldier feedback to guide further development, particularly in command-and-control software and systems like the M1E3 Abrams tank. This shift marks a significant departure from past practices that required full compliance with extensive requirements. The Army is engaging vendors and potential vendors in discussions to address challenges and iterate on solutions, emphasizing that ongoing improvements are preferred over immediate perfection.