Focus on the Future: Institutionalizing Sustainability into the Army

Abstract

One hundred years from now, when the Army s senior leaders reflect on how well the Army of 2008 coped with its challenges across the globe, will they conclude that the Army succeeded by adopting a strategic vision that included sustainable development? The answer should be in the affirmative. Sustainable development owes its understanding to the concept of sustainability, which is defined as meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In other words, it means not squandering, depleting, or abusing the earth and its resources, but enhancing, enriching, and preserving them. An Army that focuses on sustainability is an institution that seeks to maintain its organizational vitality and recognizes and values its stewardship responsibilities. Thus, institutionalizing sustainability through education and making it an integral feature of military operations will not only facilitate its introduction into Army culture but makes eminent sense for mission success as well.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA596517

Entities

People

  • Timothy E. Hill

Organizations

  • United States Army Engineer School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Doctrine
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Environmental Protection
  • Military Operations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Natural Resources
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Risk Management
  • Schools
  • Stability Operations
  • Students
  • Training
  • United States
  • West Virginia

Readers

  • Economics
  • Strategic Security Studies