In keeping with the Army's commitment to be a good steward of its resources and responsibilities, the Army has acquired 502 Hybrid Electric Vehicles this year, making the Army the leader in utilizing HEVs among all federal agencies.
Gene Schneck, the director of Logistics, said that Aberdeen Proving Ground has acquired 16 Ford Fusion Hybrid vehicles from the General Services Agency, the agency responsible for issuing government vehicles.
Schneck added that the benefit of these vehicles is that they reduce fossil fuel consumption and minimize the cost impact that energy has upon the operations budget. Hybrid vehicles average 40 miles per gallon, thus lowering fuel costs and reducing "green house" gas emissions in many cases more than 50 percent.
George Angelucci, Transportation Motor Pool chief, added that APG may receive more vehicles in the future.
"Based on this administration's interest in reducing fossil fuel, I am pretty sure that APG will receive more HEVs in the future," Angelucci said.
The Army is employing HEVs to help meet Congressional legislative requirements, which mandate a two-percent reduction in fossil fuel annually through the year 2015.
By partnering with industry, the Army can help foster a market for alternative and renewable forms of energy such as HEVs.
Through continued research and development, the technology may be utilized on the battlefield in the future. Army staff estimates that a one percent reduction of fuel consumption in theater means roughly 6,000 fewer Soldier fuel convoys. This translates into potentially fewer lives lost during operations to protect fuel.
"The Army is a progressive, forward-leaning institution. We strive always to be on the cusp of positive change," said Dennis Bohannon, director of Strategic Communications for Installation Management Command in a strategic communication plan signed by Lt. Gen. Robert Wilson, assistant chief of staff for Installation Management. "Energy security is operationally necessary, financially prudent, and legislatively required, and it corresponds well with the Army's historic role of leading America in to the future."
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