A new U.S. Army command and control system called Next Generation Command and Control, or NGC2, is transforming how military leaders make decisions on the battlefield, according to Maj. Gen. Patrick Ellis, commander of the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado. Ellis said the system has eliminated the need for lengthy, hourlong staff meetings by providing real-time, shared situational awareness across all functional areas. NGC2 is designed to accelerate decision-making—a critical factor in future warfare, where speed can determine success or failure. The system integrates data from a wide range of battlefield assets, including drones, artillery, Stryker vehicles, electronic warfare systems, and intelligence platforms, into a single, accessible interface. This allows commanders and staff to see the same information instantly, breaking down traditional information silos. During the recent Ivy Sting 4 field exercise, 20 different types of sensors and weapons were connected through NGC2. The event included live-fire drills and electronic warfare jamming scenarios, testing the system under realistic combat conditions. Soldiers could monitor supply levels, track ammunition use, predict maintenance needs, and simulate enemy behavior—all in real time. Ellis described the shift as a fundamental change in how the Army operates. “We are no longer fighting with the network; we are now fighting using the network,” he said. With NGC2, he can review data, set priorities, and finalize plans with his team in minutes rather than hours. Once decisions are made, they are saved and shared instantly, ensuring alignment across all units. The system’s development has followed a Silicon Valley-style model, with close collaboration between soldiers, command leaders, and industry partners like Anduril and Lockheed Martin. Instead of long development cycles, feedback is collected on the ground and implemented rapidly—sometimes within days. This iterative approach allows the Army to solve problems quickly and avoid repeating past mistakes. NGC2 relies heavily on commercial off-the-shelf technology and modern software practices, making it adaptable and scalable. As more platforms are integrated, the system becomes more powerful and responsive. Soldiers now have access to predictive analytics that forecast resource needs and potential enemy actions, enabling proactive planning. The goal is clear: empower commanders with faster, better, and more informed decisions. As Ellis put it, “I’m feeling empowered as a commander to make more, better, and faster decisions because I’ve got access to all that data.” With NGC2, the Army is not just modernizing its command structure—it’s redefining how warfare is conducted in the digital age.