Department of Defense Energy Strategy: Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks
Abstract
The United States has a National Security problem, energy security, in which the Department of Defense (DoD) has a unique interest. The United States imports 26% of its total energy supply and 56% of the oil it consumes. The DoD is the largest single consumer of energy in the United States, and energy is the key enabler of U.S. military combat power. High energy consumption, increased competition for limited energy supplies, ever-increasing energy costs, and the lack of a comprehensive Energy Strategy and oversight of energy issues in the DoD have created vulnerabilities. These include potential fuel and electricity supply disruptions as well as foreign policy and economic vulnerability. The DoD needs a comprehensive Energy Strategy and organizational structure to improve National Security by decreasing U.S. dependence on foreign oil, ensuring access to critical energy requirements, maintaining or improving combat capability, promoting research for future energy security, being fiscally responsible to the American tax payer, and protecting the environment. This strategy can be implemented through leadership and culture change, innovation and process efficiencies, reduced demand, and increased and diversified energy sources.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA476848
Entities
People
- Gregory J. Lengyel
Organizations
- Air War College