Environmental Security: What is DoD's Role
Abstract
The definition of national security in the post-cold war era continues to evolve and now includes the environment. In a floor speech, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sam Nunn stated that the destruction of the environment was a threat to our national security and that 'The defense establishment has a clear stake in countering this growing threat.' This was followed by Secretary of Defense Aspin's reorganization of the Department of Defense (DOD) hierarchy to establish the position of Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Environmental Security. These events make it clear that DOD will play an important role in the environmental security equation. The author believes that DOD can substantially contribute to environmental security without undercutting combat readiness, and that executing its environmental stewardship mission in a positive and well-understood fashion can enhance its ability to achieve other organizational objectives. However, he cautions policymakers against committing DOD to extensive environmental activities that would adversely affect its long-term combat readiness
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 28, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA266684
Entities
People
- Kent H. Butts
Organizations
- United States Army War College