The U.S. Army Futures Command's memorandum outlines the need for autonomous systems to enhance human-machine integration in military operations. It emphasizes the growing importance of autonomy in responding to challenges in contested environments, where autonomous systems can relieve soldiers from routine tasks, thereby increasing operational efficiency and effectiveness. The document describes the need for a characteristics of need (CoN) statement to foster collaboration with industry, focusing on key areas such as control, payload, and platform autonomy. These systems should be reliable, adaptable, and integrated with command and control architectures, ensuring cybersecurity while minimizing network dependency. The CoN aims to enable mass production capabilities and support rapid upgrades to meet evolving operational requirements. Furthermore, it highlights the need for new training methods to develop the skills required to operate these human-machine formations. This living document will be updated regularly to reflect technological advancements and insights gained through experimentation, marking a significant step towards advancing the Army's capabilities in future conflicts.