What made the game truly spe- cial was how it harnessed the power of cross-functional teams. The best teams weren’t just fast—they were diverse. We had sprinters, jump- ers, tree-climbers, and zigzaggers who could dodge tags like seasoned quarterbacks. Some players were strategic masterminds, huddling the team like coaches in a locker room, devising plans and assigning roles. Every game was different, and every player brought something unique to the table. Success came from recognizing and leveraging each person’s stren- gths. The best teams knew how to collaborate, adapt, and execute. They communicated, trusted one another, and played to win—not just with speed, but with strategy and synergy. Looking back, Prisoners of War wasn’t just a game. It was an early lesson in leadership, teamwork, and the magic that happens when diverse talents come together with a shared goal. It was childhood at its most cre- ative and connected—and a reminder that even in play, the principles of cross-functional teaming can shine.
Whether in the private sector or the DoW, the ability to collaborate across silos is increasingly recognized as a strategic imperative.
In today’s dynamic and complex organizational environments—espe - cially within defense acquisition and logistics—cross-functional teams (CFTs) have emerged as a corner- stone of innovation, agility, and mis- sion success. These teams, composed of individuals from diverse functional backgrounds, are designed to tackle multifaceted problems that no single discipline can solve alone. Whether in the private sector or the DoW, the ability to collaborate across si- los is increasingly recognized as a strategic imperative. Let’s consider the benefits and challenges of cross-functional teams, drawing on insights from years play- ing Prisoners of War and designing the Warfighting Acquisition Univer - sity’s new CFT 4200 (Advanced Acquisi- tion Strategies—Cross-Functional Teaming for
Acquisition Success) curriculum, coach- ing frameworks, and enterprise-wide learning initiatives. Here are practical strategies for maximizing the impact of CFTs in high-stakes environments. The Benefits Increased innovation. Diverse per- spectives foster innovation. Cross- functional teams bring together en- gineers, logisticians, program manag- ers, financial analysts, requirements managers and contracting officers— among others—each with unique lenses on the problem space. This diversity fosters creative tension, en- abling teams to challenge assump- tions and generate novel solutions. As highlighted in Forbes magazine (Read: “Today’s Most Crucial Leadership Skill Is Systems Thinking”) , systems thinking is a critical skill for CFTs in several
42 DEFENSE ACQUISITION MAGAZINE | MARCH – APRIL 2026
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