What has empowered commanders to leverage many joint capabilities at the lowest levels?

The correct answer highlights how increased technology integration has fundamentally transformed military operations, allowing commanders to effectively utilize various joint capabilities even at lower levels of command. This integration refers to the ability to combine and rapidly deploy diverse technological resources—such as advanced weapon systems, data analytics, and real-time intelligence—that can be operated and coordinated across different branches of the military.

By leveraging these integrated technologies, commanders can make informed decisions quickly, adapt to rapidly changing situations, and execute operations that are more efficient and coordinated. It empowers lower-level commanders to operate independently while still ensuring interoperability with other units and branches, thus maximizing the effectiveness of joint capabilities.

This transformation has particularly been significant given the complexity of modern warfare, where swift responses and flexibility are paramount. While advancements in communication systems certainly play a role in this evolution, the broader context of technology integration encompasses not just communication but also the synergy of various operational capabilities, making this option the most encompassing and relevant to the question.