Greetings. While more and more companies and organizations are focusing on green technologies, we don’t often think about their value in supporting soldiers in combat. But that’s all about to change in the weeks ahead when the 150 marines of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment deploy to Afghanistan aided by an innovative array of renewable energy technologies. In an experiment with broad implications for our fighters in all branches of the armed forces, these Marines–based at Camp Pendleton in California–will bring with them renewable power generators to run their combat operations centers, energy efficient tents using LED lights, and solar powered light trailers that can be used to operate checkpoints. A key component that will be deployed is a “ground renewable expeditionary energy system” called GREENS, developed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Carderock, Maryland, that will provide 300 watts of continuous power. They’ll still have traditional generators available as backup, but initial tests show great promise for this new energy model.
And it comes at a time when the Marines are requiring an increasing amount of energy in their field of operations. Energy that is expensive to purchase, extremely heavy and bulky to transport, and comes with a host of other logistical and safety concerns. And the fact that this new source of power is quiet is a big added plus. They’ll even be testing water purification devices that could further reduce their dependence on costly bottled water that must be transported by ships and trucks.
We win in business and in battle when we make the lives of those we serve simpler, safer, better, and even greener. And when we do everything in our power to protect the men and women in harm’s way.
Cheers!
