DOD's latest operational energy strategy

The Obama administration's shift in focus to the vast expanse of the Asia-Pacific region "necessitates a second look at operational energy priorities," according to the Pentagon's latest Operational Energy Strategy.

The Defense Department's emphasis on buying oil and gas "as close as possible to the point of use" also poses inherent risks for the U.S. military, the report reads, adding:

In response to these challenges, the 2016 Operational Energy Strategy takes advantage of improved technology and the Department's steadily improving understanding of operational energy challenges to ensure the consistent delivery of energy to the warfighter.

Specifically, the Department will pursue the following objectives:

*       Increase future warfighting capability by including energy throughout future force development.

*       Identify and reduce logistics and operational risks from operational energy vulnerabilities.

*       Enhance the mission effectiveness of the current force through updated equipment and improvements in training, exercises, and operations.