Monday October 28, 2013
What is it?
To achieve an energy informed culture, Operational Energy (OE) principles and best practices must be incorporated into the Army’s training base. The training concept introduces OE awareness at all levels of Initial Military Training (IMT), integrating tactical electric power (TEP) to specific courses, as well as self-development training. The concept also incorporates energy planning into more senior leadership courses and operational exercises.
These components of awareness, use of TEP, and energy planning help create an energy informed culture. They also provide the training to leverage technology, and the education to consider energy when planning and conducting operations. Together, these components create the conditions to achieve energy informed operations.
What has the Army done?
What efforts does the Army have planned for the future?
A pilot initiative is under development to add OE awareness training to selected Initial Military Training at Fort Lee, Va. This is focused at the company level where new Soldiers are still transitioning from citizens to Soldiers. The initiative ties personal energy habits to OE practices which will continue throughout the Soldier’s careers.
Why is this important to the Army?
OE performance drives operational effectiveness. Fuel convoy operations are a military vulnerability. Air-dropped fuel resupply places Soldiers in harm’s way when they recover deliveries. A well-planned and well-executed OE plan can help reduce fuel deliveries and improve operational capability by returning combat power to commanders. Soldiers who do not have to protect fuel convoys or recover air-dropped fuel can focus on higher priority combat missions. The Army needs Soldiers and leaders to make the most efficient use of their time, energy, and resources so we can execute more effective combat operations while reducing exposure to enemy improvised explosive devices and attacks.
Resources:
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