Department of Defense Operational Energy Strategy

By Alan Howard, Associate Chair, Energy Academic Group

In May 2023, the Department of Defense (DoD) unveiled an updated Operational Energy (OE) Strategy, laying down a visionary roadmap for energy use within the defense community. As global energy dynamics evolve, this strategy provides not only an operational blueprint but also highlights the growing value and importance of energy education for the leaders of tomorrow, especially for those at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS).     For students at NPS, particularly U.S. officers from all branches of service, this new strategy is of paramount importance. It encapsulates the future direction of military operations, emphasizing the critical role of energy in ensuring mission success, security, and resilience. The strategic outlook outlined by the DoD underscores several areas that will shape the curriculum and research focus of the Energy Academic Group (EAG).

Why is the Strategy Important?     

Holistic Approach to Energy: The 2023 strategy goes beyond just a focus on supply; it delves into the intricacies of demand, diversification, supply chain resilience, and real-time energy visibility. Such a comprehensive approach reinforces the need for our officers to understand the full energy spectrum—from procurement to tactical deployment.    

Operational Excellence and Contested Environments: The strategy emphasizes reducing energy demand and ensuring forces can operate effectively in contested environments. This reflects a shift towards a more agile, resilient force that can respond swiftly to emerging threats. For NPS students, this underscores the importance of integrating energy considerations into their tactical and strategic planning.     

Supply Chain Resilience: Given the increasing complexities of global geopolitics, the emphasis on supply chain resilience is timely. The DoD's focus on minimizing reliance on potentially hostile or unstable foreign energy sources necessitates that our students understand the geopolitics of energy and the intricacies of effective supply chain management.

Implications for NPS's EAG:     

Curriculum Development: The EAG, in its mission to provide a top-tier energy-focused curriculum, will need to integrate the strategic objectives of the 2023 plan. This involves exploring topics like energy storage technologies, the geopolitics of energy supply chains, and the tactical implications of energy use in contested scenarios.     

Research Opportunities: The strategy's emphasis on diversifying energy sources, exploring lithium battery technologies, and enhancing energy visibility opens avenues for cutting-edge research. Students and faculty can delve into these areas, contributing to the broader defense community's knowledge and capabilities.     

Operational Training: With the strategy's focus on real-world operational readiness, the EAG can spearhead training modules and simulations that put theory into practice. Such hands-on experiences will prepare our students for the energy challenges they will face in their respective military branches.     

In conclusion, the DoD's 2023 Operational Energy Strategy isn't just a document—it is a call to action and a guiding light for the future leaders being molded at the Naval Postgraduate School. As the defense landscape evolves, the importance of energy as a strategic and operational resource only magnifies. EAG, with its commitment to excellence in both education and research, is perfectly poised to ensure that our warfighters are not only well-versed in the intricacies of energy but also ready to lead the charge in this new era of defense operations.