Despite operations spanning several continents and a commander-in-chief largely unconcerned with the subject, the US Army has announced that it will be attempting to reduce its carbon “bootprint” down to 30 percent of current levels by 2015.  Aside from slowing the negative effects of global warming, the Army also anticipates that the program can cut costs and save lives as well.

Examples of the plan in action can be seen across the Army’s operations.  Mock cities used for combat training are now built from recycled shipping containers, cutting waste material and energy use, as well as dropping the price tag from $400,000 to $25,000. 

In foreign operations, the Army realized that upwards of 85 percent of its power consumption was being used for air conditioning; an inexpensive spray-on foam for tents improved insulation and slashed consumption by nearly 50%.

As with its TIGER program currently being tested in Iraq, above all else, the Army’s energy-saving measures are designed to protect troops. The less energy a combat unit needs, the less fuel needs to be transported to it, and therefore the end result is fewer troops in harm's way.