The new lean, mean, green fighting machine

No organization, regardless of size, function or industry, is immune from the perception that it needs to do more for the environment. This stands true for businesses, universities, and branches of government, including the military.

Fortunately most organizations recognize this need, and from the work we’ve done across its various divisions, including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force, this includes the United States Armed Forces.

And it’s important that they do: the US military is responsible for 80% of the Federal Government’s energy use and one percent of the nation’s total energy consumption.

Much of the progress being made is thanks to forward thinking on the part of military decision makers. Leaders in the Pentagon are looking to lesser known agencies that are big on energy savings for purchases. The Marines and the Army are replacing surveillance systems with more energy efficient versions, and the Army and Navy are taking a page out of the general consumers’ handbook and developing fuel efficient and hybrid technology vehicles, such as the Clandestine Extended Range Vehicle (CERV).

The CERV is an all-wheel drive vehicle with a diesel hybrid-electric powertrain that can produce over 5,000 foot-pounds of torque. This beast can travel 80 miles per hour and climb terrain with a 60% grade. Designed for use overseas, it’s just one example of what the military is doing to move forward in an efficient way.

As technology advances, it’s safe to say that we can expect to see more developments from the private sector infiltrate the military, and help make it a lean green fighting machine.