Sustainability and National Security
Abstract
In a world that has finite resources and is increasingly experiencing high competition for these resources, the military has embraced sustainability as both a vital strategic security element and as a mission enabler. This book addresses how security organizations throughout the world are or could be approaching sustainability. Military forces must have the land, air, water, and energy/fuel to train and operate today, and into the future. How can these resources be assured, how can conflict over scarce resources be avoided and when can cooperation over resources issues be used to promote peace? Sustainability is a powerful concept being readily applied by both the business and international affairs communities. Many of the sustainable practices the military is either currently applying or seeking to institutionalize are modeled after a growing number of corporations that aim for continual improvement, to gain a competitive edge in globalized markets, and ultimately long term success. Sustainability is further providing a platform for multi-state cooperation on transnational resource issues. Mission accomplishment is the true determinant of military success or failure. Corollary benefits of sustainability include: reducing risk to our war fighters; readiness enhancement and sustainment; increased efficiency; reduced operational and total life cycle costs; a reduction in environmental and logistics footprints; and, enhancing the quality of life for soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, families, and surrounding communities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA565359
Entities
People
- Brent Bankus
- James Hartman
- Kent Butts
- Steven Carney
Organizations
- United States Army War College