The Next-Generation Security Triad: Unifying PQC, ZTA, and AI Security through a Shared Modernization Substrate

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) faces three concurrent cybersecurity modernization mandates that together constitute what we term the Next-Generation Security Triad: post-quantum cryptography (PQC) migration by 2030--2035, Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) implementation by FY2027, and AI system security assurance under CDAO governance. These Triad components operate under distinct timelines, funding streams, workforce competencies, and compliance frameworks---creating significant coordination challenges for CIOs, Commanding Officers, Program Management Offices, and Authorizing Officials. Current approaches treat these as separate migrations, resulting in duplicative investments, architectural misalignment, and uncoordinated risk exposure. This paper argues that the solution is not to merge the three Triad programs---each serves distinct operational purposes---but to establish a shared modernization substrate. We present a unified architectural framework comprising four substrate layers: (1) cryptographic services infrastructure, (2) identity and access management fabric, (3) telemetry and analytics pipeline, and (4) policy orchestration engine. This substrate-based approach enables each Triad component to proceed at its own pace while ensuring interoperability, reducing lifecycle technical debt, and providing measurable compliance pathways.