Deputy Secretary of Defense William Lynn and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational Energy Plans and Programs Sharon Burke yesterday outlined the first Operational Energy Strategy entitled, “Energy for the Warfighter,” designed to change the way the Defense Department consumes energy in its operations.
The military makes up 80 percent of all of the federal government’s energy consumption. In the battlefield, supply lines and energy convoys are prime target of enemies, Lynn noted.
Burke outlined the three principle drivers of the newly formalized strategy. The first involves reducing energy demand in military operations. The second aims at expanding and securing energy supplies to military operations. Finally, the third driver looks into the future and aims to integrate energy considerations into planning and force development activities.
The strategy paper is designed for guidance and planning purposes. An implementation plan will be published by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational and Energy Programs within 90 days.