United States Department of Defense United States Department of Defense

Defense Officials Release Energy for the Warfighter, DOD Operational Energy Strategy

DOD’s Operational Energy Strategy will guide the Defense Department to a more strategic use of energy resources in the fight today and in plans for the future by lowering risks to our warfighters, saving money for American taxpayers, and allowing the department to shift more resources to other warfighting priorities. Such efforts are critical if we are to meet our mission to prevail, today and in the future.

Top Stories

Service Leaders Weigh In On
BRAC, Renewable Energy

Service leaders discussed renewable energy milestones, force structure changes and the impact on military and surrounding communities affected by base realignment during an Association of Defense Communities conference in Monterey, Calif. Story

Defense, Interior Departments Join
Forces on Renewable Energy

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar have signed a memorandum of understanding that encourages appropriate development of renewable energy projects on public lands set aside for defense-related purposes and other onshore and offshore areas near military installations. Story

DOD Must Have Petroleum Fuel Alternatives, Official Says

Smart investing and less reliance on petroleum-based fuels will help ensure an agile, lethal and adaptable combat force, and ultimately, national security, Sharon Burke, assistant secretary of defense for operational energy plans and programs, said. Story

Small Businesses Important to
DOD Energy Plans, Official Says

Small businesses are an important part of the Defense Department’s plans for better managing energy usage, said Sharon E. Burke, the assistant secretary of defense for operational energy plans and programs. Story

Pentagon Addresses Energy Challenges

Reducing demand, finding alternative energy sources and improving the energy security of military operations are among the goals of the Defense Department’s operational energy strategy, a senior Pentagon official said. Story

Troops Explore Emerging Energy Solutions

As officials work to shrink the military's operational energy footprint, experts in solar power, microgrids and "smart" generators recently took that technology to a crucial jury: the troops. Story

Army Operational Energy Aiming High

Across the Army, teams of quiet professionals are lightening the load of soldiers on the ground and introducing new energy efficiencies. Story

Marines Thrive in Employing
Renewable Energy, Saving Lives

The U.S. Marines are strengthening their combat effectiveness, not by acquiring new weaponry or implementing different training, but by using renewable energy on the battlefield. Story

Marines Use Solar Power to
Brighten Mission Accomplishment

The Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment have tapped into a vital renewable energy source - the sun - to help take the fight to the enemy in Sangin District. Story

DOD’s Operational Energy Strategy outlines three principal ways to a stronger force:

  • More fight, less fuel: Reduce the demand for energy in military operations.
  • More options, less risk: Expand and secure the supply of energy to military operations.
  • More capability, less cost: Build energy security into the future force.

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