What has empowered commanders to utilize joint capabilities more effectively at lower levels?

The expansion of joint capabilities has significantly empowered commanders to utilize these capabilities more effectively at lower levels. This expansion refers to the increase in the variety and complexity of roles that different military branches can perform together. With a wider range of joint capabilities available, commanders can access specialized resources and support that enhance their operational effectiveness.

This allows for more flexible responses to a variety of threats and enables combined arms operations that leverage strengths across services. Commanders at lower levels can now coordinate and integrate these capabilities within their operational planning, fostering a more unified approach that aligns with the joint doctrine and modern warfare's demands.

While the other options, such as improved communication networks or command decentralization, certainly contribute to operational effectiveness, they function as enablers rather than the foundational driver of joint capability expansion. The growth in joint capabilities means that lower-level commanders can tap into a richer set of tools and options, ultimately enhancing military effectiveness in a more diverse set of scenarios.