Which theater deployable communications (TDC) equipment characteristic emphasizes minimizing size, weight, and power requirements?

The correct answer highlights the importance of mobility in theater deployable communications (TDC) equipment. Mobility is a critical characteristic because it directly affects how easily equipment can be transported and set up in various operational environments. In military and tactical situations, being able to quickly deploy communication capabilities while minimizing the size, weight, and power requirements ensures that forces can maintain effective communication under constraints such as limited transport options or challenging terrain.

Focusing on mobility enables rapid response and adaptability in dynamic operational scenarios. Smaller and lighter equipment not only facilitates easier transport but also allows for more efficient use of power resources, which can be a significant factor in field operations where access to electricity may be limited.

Other characteristics like survivability, interoperability, and modularity-scalability have their own essential roles in TDC equipment, but they do not directly pertain to minimizing size and weight. Survivability focuses on the system's ability to withstand attacks or harsh environments, interoperability emphasizes the capability to work seamlessly with other systems, and modularity-scalability refers to the ability to adapt and expand the system based on operational needs. Each of these is important, but when it comes specifically to reducing size, weight, and power requirements, mobility is the key characteristic.