Army Operational Energy Strategy
What is it'
The Operational Energy Strategy is designed to build upon Army warfighting concepts to fully account for energy and power needs. The intent is to gauge and define Army energy requirements in light of their actual operational effects in a deployed or tactical environment.
Thus, the strategy aims to help shape Army Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership, Personnel and Facility (DOTMLPF) solutions, as well as mission-relevant performance goals for the deploying, operational force.
The Operational Energy Strategy is a collaborative effort involving three Army commands or enterprises: G-4 (logistics); the Research, Development and Engineering Command; and the Army Capabilities Integration Center (ARCIC). The Operational Energy Strategy is nested with the Army's comprehensive Energy Security Implementation Strategy.
Why is this important to the Army'
Energy is an operational imperative that affects a wide range of military capabilities, including: maneuverability, sustainability, communications, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Energy dependence creates logistical supply burdens which increase operational vulnerabilities and put Soldiers at risk.
For example, a one-percent reduction of fuel consumption in theater in Iraq or Afghanistan could mean roughly 60 fewer long-distance fuel convoys per year. A fuel convoy typically involves 50-100 Soldiers. So reducing fuel consumption in theater would reduce Soldier risk and likely mean fewer Soldier casualties and fatalities.
Energy security also is important to the Army because it directly affects mission readiness and unit preparedness. Army bases and Soldier training missions require secure and uninterrupted access to energy.
Indeed, both domestically and overseas the Army must retain access to energy and continue to operate even when - and especially when - catastrophe strikes and energy supplies are disrupted, cut off, or just plain difficult to secure.
What has the Army done'
The Army has published a <a href="http://www.arcic.army.mil/DOCS/PE%20Strategy%20Apr%202010.pdf" target="_blank">Power and Energy Strategy Whitepaper</a> to help define and articulate its energy requirements in a deployed or tactical environment.
The Army also has spearheaded several initiatives to address specific energy requirements in theater in Iraq and Afghanistan. These initiatives include measures designed to: reduce vehicular fuel consumption, monitor energy use, increase battery life, and reduce battery size and volume.
What is planned for the future'
The Army will publish soon: an Initial Capabilities Document (to identify energy capability gaps and solutions); a Tactical Fuel and Energy Implementation Plan; and a roadmap that spells out the DOTMLPF activities required to effect the Army's Operational Energy Strategy.
Resources:
<a href=" http://www.asaie.army.mil/Public/Partnerships/doc/AESIS_13JAN09_Approved%204-03-09.pdf "target="_blank">Army Energy Security Implementation Strategy </a>
<a href="http://usacac.army.mil/CAC2/repository/capstone.pdf" target="_blank"> Army Capstone Concept (TRADOC Pamhlet 525-3-0) Operational Adaptability: Operating Under Conditions of Uncertainty and Complexity in an Era of Persistent Conflict</a>
<a href="http://www.arcic.army.mil/DOCS/PE%20Strategy%20Apr%202010.pdf" target="_blank"> Power and Energy Strategy White Paper</a>
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