Going Green: The U.S. Military’s Efforts to Conserve and Preserve
With today being Earth Day, it seems more appropriate now than ever to explore the ways in which our military protects and preserves the planet. And while conservation efforts are often led by non-governmental organizations or other stakeholders, the U.S. military has played and still plays a significant role in safeguarding natural resources and wildlife habitat around the world.
Even more, the military has started implementing sustainable building practices and eco-friendly initiatives at installations to reduce its environmental impact. By protecting wildlife habitat and by going green at home, the U.S. military has set a good example for others to follow. They are constantly improving, and their efforts will help secure the environment for future generations.
Habitat Restoration
The military works hard to restore wildlife habitats that have been damaged or destroyed by human activities. In 2018, the U.S. Air Force partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore habitats for the Whooping Crane, an endangered species, in Texas. The military has also helped to restore wetlands and grasslands in other parts of the country, which are critical habitats for many plant and animal species.
But the military’s impact goes underwater, too. In 2017, the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 coordinated with Guam’s Department of Agriculture, Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources (DAWR) and Guam Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assist in much-needed coral reef restoration. These agencies, in partnership with EODMU 5, have identified several priority areas for coral reef management, and the U.S. Navy’s role in this habitat restoration will continue to be significant.
Explosive Ordinance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 helps repair a damaged coral reef in Apra Harbor. June 29, 2017.
Conservation Areas
Another way the military preserves our planet is by creating conservation areas. These are areas set aside for the protection of plant and animal species, especially endangered and threatened ones. They are managed by the military and are often off-limits to the public to reduce human disturbance.
One such area is San Clemente Island in California, which is the primary maritime training area for the Navy Pacific Fleet and Sea, Air and Land Forces. Before the Navy had the island, grazing by nonnative species had decreased the number of native plants and animals. The U.S. Navy placed a priority on removing all nonnative herbivores from the island, which allowed the habitat to recover. San Clemente Island had several endangered species on it, including the San Clemente Island Sage Sparrow and the Island Fox. The Navy quickly put conservation efforts into motion, and the once barren landscape now supports its native species again. The Navy’s conservation area has been successful in protecting the San Clemente Island Sage Sparrow and Island Fox as well.
Previous secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, pets an Island Fox named Waynuk. Waynuk was rescued after sustaining critical injuries in the wild, where his species is considered critically endangered. San Clemente Island, June 6, 2015.
Additionally, the military conducts research to better understand how to protect natural resources and wildlife habitat in areas around them. The U.S. Army has a program called the Integrated Training Area Management, which studies the impact of military activities on the environment and develops strategies to minimize that impact. These efforts, along with conservation areas, work together to protect and preserve wildlife and their habitats.
Anti-Poaching Efforts
Poaching is a threat to many species, and the military has played a role in combating this illegal activity. In many cases, the U.S. military travels to train anti-poaching units in areas at risk. For example, in 2016, the Marines were stationed in Gabon training Gabonese anti-poaching units, who were working to cut down on poaching in their national parks, as well as trafficking of illicit goods and narcotics. In other cases, the military works with local law enforcement agencies in the U.S. to combat illegal hunting and fishing around military installations.
Ray Mabus, previous secretary of the Navy, visits with Marines assigned to Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SP-MAGTF). These Marines are in Gabon training Gabonese anti-poaching units.
Training Sustainably
In recent years, the military has been innovating to reduce its environmental impact and move towards a greener future. This has led to the implementation of conservation programs to protect and preserve natural resources on their own grounds. The U.S. Army, for example, has a program called Net Zero, which aims to eliminate waste, reduce energy consumption and conserve water on military installations. By designing buildings with rainwater harvesting, solar panels and green roofs, the Army is already seeing improvements in water conservation and reduced energy consumption.
The military has also been experimenting with alternative fuels for years, including biodiesel, ethanol, and hydrogen fuel cells. The U.S. Navy has even been testing the use of biofuels in its ships and aircraft, and the Air Force has been experimenting with the use of synthetic jet fuel made from plant oils and animal fats. As well as alternative fuels, the military has prioritized clean-up and restoration efforts on installations. Even when it complicates schedules and training, those on military installations are required to protect and preserve the grounds.
The military has prioritized clean-up and restoration efforts on installations, even when it complicates schedules and training.
While there is always room for improvement, the military’s efforts to conserve natural resources and save wildlife habitat are a testament to their commitment to our earthly home. And with today being Earth Day, Charlie Mike thanks our veterans for protecting and preserving the planet. Our future looks a little greener because of them!
