From the Editor-in-Chief

by Nelson McCouch III

Article published on: April 1st 2024

Read Time: < 3 mins

Nelson McCouch III

Nelson McCouch III

Email Nelson McCouch III at armyalt@army.mil

When you think about going “green,” the first thing you generally think of isn’t the U.S. Army.

With the Army, or most militaries in general, you might conjure up images of exhaust-belching tanks, diesel- or gas-guzzling self-propelled artillery or Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, helicopters, etc. Most likely when you think of “green,” it is forest preservation, clean water, the Environmental Protection Agency, wildlife, sustainable fishing … not the Army. But you would be wrong! Sure, the Army’s mission is to fight and win this nation’s wars, but you don’t have to pollute and waste to do so. As a matter of fact, conservation is, as they say, a combat multiplier.

As outlined in the 2022 Army Climate Strategy, “As the Army invests in modernization, readiness and operations, it aims to create land forces that meet current needs while securing a sustainable, cleaner tomorrow. … By optimizing fuel, water, electricity and other resources, the Army increases resilience, saves taxpayer dollars and reduces its environmental impact.”

A green Army that reduces waste is more efficient, reduces military lines of communication (air, sea, land) supply requirements, and reduces shortages of supplies, vulnerability to enemy attack and the need of Soldiers to secure routes—ultimately saving lives.

So, instead of “tree hugger,” environmental activist, nature lover or any negative connotations you might have about being green, instead, think “smart, sustainable, efficient and deadly.” The Army going “green” is a good thing both for the environment, for today’s Army and for the future.

In this issue, explore the many ways the U.S. Army, through the direction of the Army acquisition executive, the Honorable Douglas R. Bush, along with the Army Acquisition Workforce and our industry partners are creating and fielding technology to make the Army more effective and efficient. As mentioned earlier, efficiency in the field is critical to our future. Learn how the Army’s Improved Turbine Engine will provide Army aviation with all the power, range, payload and lethality it needs … while reducing the force’s greenhouse gas emissions in “Cleaner Air on the Horizon,” Page 56. And, as you may have noticed, energy is at the heart of a green Army, so the development of alternative fuels and systems is paramount. On Page 32, read about how the new hybrid hydrogen (H2) emergency vehicle and its H2 fuel cell are bringing the Army closer to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 in “H2Rescue Mission.” Finally, going green isn’t always about technology; sometimes it’s about more efficient processes. In “Shaking the Tree,” Page 92, see how xTech is ushering in a new era of innovation by linking Program Manager Soldier Lethality with potential industry partners, allowing small vendors to compete alongside larger companies, and streamlining the competition process. Great idea!

There is much, much more in this issue of interest to those in the acquisition community, and I encourage you to browse this issue and discover what Army acquisition is working on to make the U.S. Army the very best in the world. As always, if you have comments, story ideas or want to submit your very own story, please contact us at armyalt@army.mil. We look forward to hearing from you.

Nelson McCouch III
Editor-in-Chief