While  DOD’s weapon systems require large amounts of fuel—a B-52H, for  example, burns approximately 3,500 gallons per flight hour—the  department reports that the single largest battlefield fuel consumer is  generators. Generators provide power for base support activities such as  air conditioning/heating, lighting, refrigeration, and communications. Many of these efforts are in a  research and development phase, and the extent to which they will be  fielded and under what time frame is uncertain. Notable efforts include the  application of foam insulation to tent structures, the development of more  fuel-efficient generators and environmental control units, and research on  alternative and renewable energy sources for potential use at forward- deployed locations. In addition, during our visits to Kuwait and Djibouti,  we found local camp efforts aimed at reducing fuel demand. Specific Forward- Deployed Locations Have Efforts Under Way or Planned to Reduce Fuel Demand

During our visits to forward-deployed locations in Kuwait and Djibouti, we  found some local efforts by camp officials to reduce fuel demand. DOD Does Not Have an Effective Approach for Managing Fuel Demand at Forward- Deployed Locations

Although DOD is undertaking a number of initiatives focused on reducing  fuel consumption, it lacks an effective approach for implementing fuel  reduction initiatives and maintaining sustained attention to fuel demand  management at its forward-deployed locations. DOD has stated that it  needs to reduce its dependence on petroleum-based fuel and the logistics  “footprint” of its military forces, as well as reduce operating costs  associated with high fuel usage. However, we found that DOD’s current  approach to managing fuel demand at forward-deployed locations is not  effective because it lacks (1) guidance directing locations to address fuel  demand, (2) incentives and a viable funding mechanism to invest in fuel  reduction initiatives, and (3) visibility and accountability within the chain  of command for achieving fuel reduction. The Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year  2009 requires DOD to establish a Director of Operational Energy Plans and  Programs, an operational energy strategy for DOD, and military  department-level energy officials. Although base commanders must place  their highest priority on meeting mission requirements and it may not be  practical for DOD to decrease fuel usage at every forward-deployed  location, particularly at those that might not be in existence for very long,  fuel demand is likely to remain high until the department gives systematic  consideration to incorporating fuel demand in construction, maintenance,  procurement, and other policy decisions for forward-deployed locations. By placing a higher priority on fuel reduction at forward-deployed  locations and developing a comprehensive and coordinated approach to  managing fuel demand, one that includes specific guidelines, incentives, a  viable funding mechanism, visibility, and accountability, DOD would be  more likely to achieve its goals of reducing its reliance on petroleum-based  fuel, the vulnerabilities and logistics burden associated with transporting  large amounts of fuel to forward-deployed locations, and operational  costs. 1. 2.
Why GAO Did This Study

The Department of Defense (DOD) relies heavily on petroleum-based fuel to sustain its forward-deployed locations--particularly those that are not connected to local power grids. While weapon platforms require large amounts of fuel, DOD reports that the single largest battlefield fuel consumer is generators, which provide power for base support activities such as cooling, heating, and lighting. Transporting fuel to forward-deployed locations presents an enormous logistics burden and risk, including exposing fuel truck convoys to attack. GAO was asked to address DOD's (1) efforts to reduce fuel demand at forward-deployed locations and (2) approach to managing fuel demand at these locations. This review focused on locations within Central Command's area of responsibility. GAO visited DOD locations in Kuwait and Djibouti to learn about fuel reduction efforts and challenges facing these locations.

What GAO Found

DOD components have some efforts under way or planned to reduce fuel demand at forward-deployed locations. Many of these efforts are in a research and development phase, and the extent to which they will be fielded and under what time frame is uncertain. Notable efforts include the application of foam insulation to tent structures, the development of more fuel-efficient generators and environmental control units, and research on alternative and renewable energy sources for potential use at forward-deployed locations. In addition, during visits to Kuwait and Djibouti, GAO met with officials about local camp efforts aimed at reducing fuel demand. DOD lacks an effective approach for implementing fuel reduction initiatives and maintaining sustained attention to fuel demand management at its forward-deployed locations. Moreover, DOD faces difficulty achieving its goals to reduce dependence on petroleum-based fuel and its logistics "footprint," as well as operating costs associated with high fuel usage, because managing fuel demand at forward-deployed locations has not been a departmental priority and fuel reduction efforts have not been well coordinated or comprehensive. GAO found that DOD's current approach to managing fuel demand lacks (1) guidance directing locations to address fuel demand, (2) incentives and a viable funding mechanism to invest in fuel reduction projects, and (3) visibility and accountability for achieving fuel reduction. Although it may not be practical for DOD to decrease fuel usage at every forward-deployed location and base commanders must place their highest priority on meeting mission requirements, fuel demand is likely to remain high until the department gives systematic consideration to incorporating fuel demand in construction, maintenance, procurement, and other policy decisions for forward-deployed locations. The 2009 defense authorization act requires DOD to establish a director of operational energy and an energy strategy, providing the department with an opportunity to increase attention on improving fuel demand management.