Military

Army Energy Security

Oct 5, 2009

By John Guardiano, OCPA

Army Energy Security

What is it?

The Army Energy Security Implementation Strategy (AESIS) establishes five strategic goals to promote energy security by fostering a culture of energy awareness. The energy security goals are:

• reduced energy consumption
• increased energy efficiency across platforms and facilities
• increased use of renewable and alternative energy
• assured access to sufficient energy supplies
• reduced adverse environmental effects

Army energy projects and initiatives are designed to:

• jump-start Army energy security,
• better gauge energy use in garrison and on deployment
• research and develop longer-lasting batteries and other energy storage devices

What has the Army done?

The Army has initiated several key pilot projects to help achieve energy security. The projects include procuring electric and hybrid-electric vehicles for (peacetime) use in garrison. The Army also has been developing hybrid-electric vehicles for tactical (wartime) use in theater.

Moreover, the Army has taken decisive steps to foster a culture of energy awareness and energy security. These steps include:

• establishing (in April 2008) the Army Energy Security Task Force to assess Army energy planning and Army energy initiatives

• ratifying the task force's recommendations to catalyze Army energy security

• initiating six prototype projects to jump-start Army energy security

• developing a new hybrid-electric powered ground combat vehicle

• developing Army energy metrics and objectives

• chartering (in September 2008) a new Senior Energy Executive and a new Senior Energy Council to coordinate and direct Army energy security initiatives

• publishing the Army Energy Security Implementation Strategy (on 13 Jan 09)

• publishing (in July 2009) energy security implementation plans by Army commands

Why is this important to the Army?

• Tactical Advantage: Energy dependence creates a logistical tail that slows operations and makes deployed forces more vulnerable to enemy attack.

• Financial Burdens: Energy is a huge expense.

• Congressional legislation and Executive branch orders mandate change..

What remains to be done?

The Army has just begun to implement its energy security strategy. Successful execution will require the dedication of every Army soldier and civilian. Indeed, leadership and accountability at all levels of command are an institutional imperative.

Energy awareness, accountability and security must be incorporated into all Army processes. The Army, therefore, must continue to initiate cutting-edge energy research; it must continue to pioneer new technology; and it must adopt more energy-efficient business practices.