2022 Energy Action Month

1.  Marine Corps installations are fundamental to achieving combat readiness, providing essential training, and supporting the launch, sustainment, and reconstitution of Marine Operating Forces.  With events taking place both within the United States and globally, the Marine Corps faces an uncertain energy future in terms of price volatility, supply reliability, and the global threat of climate impacts.  While electricity, fuel, and water continue to power Marine Corps bases and stations, any interruption to these resources puts Marine Corps installations and training areas at risk.  Energy management activities on Marine Corps installations, therefore, become an issue of combat readiness.  The Marine Corps is moving beyond the assumption that "energy will always be there", adopting a more proactive approach to improving energy security to ensure critical facilities can continue operations if energy supplies are compromised, and that Marines, civilians, and families have an improved quality of life.<br>
2.  October is Energy Action Month; in recognition, I want to take the opportunity to define what "Securing our Energy Future" means to the Marine Corps:<br>
2.a.  RELIABLE (Improve readiness).  Modernize infrastructure to ensure adequate and dependable energy and water supplies to support the operating forces.<br>
2.b.  RESILIENT (Enhance warfighting capabilities).  Operate critical missions during utility outages; reduce dependence on external suppliers; increase on-site storage and generation assets; build diversified, climate-resilient infrastructure; and conduct exercises to test utility emergency response plans, infrastructure configuration, and equipment condition.<br>
2.c.  EFFICIENT (Reduce consumption).  Minimize energy and water consumption, allow limited resources to be applied to readiness, and invest in renewable and emission-reducing technologies that mitigate climate Impacts.<br>
3.  The Marine Corps needs every Marine to weave the efficient, conservative use of energy and water into your daily actions.  We must continually act to conserve energy and water resources.  When Marines have a mission, they become laser focused on its accomplishment.  Your positive actions will reduce cost and prevent wasted energy or unnecessary water consumption.  Throughout the month of October, I encourage commanders to actively support these grass-roots initiatives and forward storyboards of your successes to the message point of contact so we can showcase the resourcefulness and innovation of our Marines across the Department of Defense.<br>
4.  Release authorized by MajGen David W. Maxwell, Assistant Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics (Facilities).