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Engineer 19
January –April 2014
units. During this operation, energy-ineffcient facilities and
tents were also replaced.
In addition, the U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force initi-
ated the Energy to the Edge Program, which deployed alter-
native and renewable energy systems to remote sites. They
provided photovoltaic and energy storage systems, conducted
energy assessments at combat outposts, and optimized their
power systems. The Project Manager–Force Sustainment
Systems also provided advanced energy-effcient systems
with improved tent liners, light-emitting diode lighting,
vestibules, solar shades, and improved environmental con-
trol units.
Survey respondents also noted that allowing senior 249th
Prime Power Battalion noncommissioned offcers, warrant
offcers, and mid-level captains to serve as OE advisors can
pay great dividends. Military OE advisors can advise con-
tingency base camp leaders on ways to maintain a reliable
prime power grid; minimize spot generation; implement
demand-reduction measures; and provide well-informed,
energy-related information to the commander and staff to
help them make sound decisions without reducing mission
readiness or Soldier quality of life. They would also have the
skills and capabilities to make necessary changes on-site
if needed.
A fnal report from the Special Inspector General for Iraq
Reconstruction in March 2013
2
addressed lessons learned
from the Iraq reconstruction program to help improve the
U.S. approach to future stabilization and reconstruction
operations. The report addressed seven best practices for
stabilization and reconstruction audit programs. The best
practices that are relevant to OE management for contin-
gency bases include—
■ Focus early audit attention on contracting, quality assur-
ance, and quality control resources dedicated to pro-
grams and projects.
■ Develop a systematic approach to reporting on the sus-
tainability of projects.
■ Develop an integrated database of contracts, grants, and
projects to keep track of procurements and deliveries.
■ Develop close working relationships with senior recon-
struction managers to encourage improved program
implementation.
These best practices suggest that to ensure proper qual-
ity assurance and quality control in all phases of construc-
tion, an adequate number of qualifed contracting offcer
representatives must be in place.
Base camps require large supplies of energy and clean
water, along with an environment that has clean air and
is largely free of disease and disease vectors. The failure
to properly manage wastes hinders mission readiness,
increases resource requirements, increases liabilities, and
negatively affects the health of Soldiers and local popula-
tions (causing damage to relations with the host nation).
Proactively addressing these requirements will allow opera-
tions to develop fully in the most effective, effcient, and sus-
tainable manner while enabling mission accomplishment
without sacrifcing Soldier quality of life. Most importantly,
strong OE management for contingency bases saves lives
by—
■ Reducing the logistical footprint.
■ Denying enemy access to a critical resource.
■ Allowing commanders to shift signifcant fscal resources
to support other warfghting priorities.
Effcient OE contingency base energy management is a
true force multiplier.
Endnote
1
"Operational Energy,"