The Common Image Generator Interface (CIGI) is a communication protocol standardized by the Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO) under SISO-STD-013-2014, Standard for Common Image Generator Interface (CIGI), Version 4.0, dated 22 August 2014. The SISO Product Support Group page for CIGI states, “The purpose of CIGI is to provide interoperability across real-time Image Generator (IG) and Host computational system providers by using a common method of communications. The product will provide a common communications protocol that will enable each disparate visualization tool to quickly interface with other subsystems by providing a set of commonly used subsystem-to-subsystem interactions.” This design goal has led some branches of the United States Armed Forces to include the use of CIGI as a requirement when procuring new simulation devices over the past decade and a half. This paper analyzes the success of the CIGI initiative by examining the integration costs and program impacts when upgrading visual systems. Over the past 15 years, the US Navy has issued multiple contracts to build and upgrade MH-60R and MH-60S operational flight trainers for both the US Navy and foreign military customers. Across these various contracts, the flight trainers have been integrated with three different Image Generators (IGs) from three different vendors, all while satisfying the requirement to use the CIGI standard for host to IG communication. This paper will discuss the instances where the CIGI requirement did in fact increase reusability and efficiency across the separate efforts. The paper will also demonstrate where this requirement failed to reduce integration costs. Finally, this paper will discuss opportunities for the CIGI standard, as well as procurement agencies, to improve and truly achieve the goal of reduced integration costs.