April 2014, DoD Energy policy was updated from the previous
1991 version. Included was an emphasis both on the increased
use of renewable energy [SETM] and mechanisms to assess and
evaluate those operations using it.41 The offices called to expand
energy resources including renewable sources [SETM] include
the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Combatant
Commands. Those offices will increase focus on operational
energy policy with interagency partners that support UN PKO.
Further evidence U.S. DoD is moving incrementally towards the
use of SETM in PKO is found in the new DoD Energy policy
including Security Cooperation into its policy as it applies to
a wide range of activities across the Department, including the
direction to, "Incorporate guidance and analyses in Combatant
Command planning to address energy risks and opportunities
across the full range of military operations, from engagement
and security cooperation to major operations and campaigns."
Peacekeeping operations are within the terms of that DoD Directive, number 4180.01.42
Conclusion
Less developed member nations of the UN system seek UN
PKO intervention to help maintain their human rights and
uphold international laws of armed conflict. Those who seek
UN support to rebuild after climate change caused natural
disasters and man-made conflicts are in positions of extreme
need, often with their short and long term lives in peril. Some
LDCs are aware of the state of SETM technology and seek only
to rebuild their electrical infrastructures with today’s modernity.
Some LDCs have never had electrical infrastructure and have
limited access to learn about such technology. In both cases,
whether the limitations are financial and/or technology based,
taking advantage of those in need by providing them analogue
and outdated generations of electrical power supplying technology at low cost is not in keeping with the intent of Millenium
Development Goal (MDG #7). LDCs would appreciate the
SETM and the jobs they create. According to the Center for
American Progress, “Clean-energy investments create 16.7 jobs
for every USD$1 million in spending. Spending on fossil fuels,
by contrast, generates 5.3 jobs per USD$1 million in spending.”43 All member nations benefit, as nations whose economies
are based on their natural fossil fuel resources are themselves
converting to SETM.44 Peacekeepers lead the way and would
lead better with SETM.
The UN DPKO works within its COE policy to provide
feasible materiel and logistics policy for the delivery of goods
and services to UN PKO. The COE processes can be improved
according to UN auditing offices. How UN PKOs are financed
and budgeted is already well established. New policy revisions
need only be made to include SETM categorized contributions.
22
The World Bank is firmly established to handle such financing
and has adopted similar processes for bringing power to post
conflict/disaster reconstruction for decades. UN procurement
offices have models from preliminary efforts already made.
Finally, the benefits of both SETM and UN PKO are evident
when considering the vast majority of LDCs that ascribe to the
UN MDGs are also individually benefitting from both. The
discussion of the use of SETM in LDC UN PKO is largely a
political one. With all political discussions, the political gains
and losses in democracies are found in their citizens’ votes and
willingness to accept, implement, and practice the policies promulgated by their elected officials’ actions. If SETM implementation in U.S. Army trained UN PKO is to successfully be implemented, it is essential implementation takes place as a result
of supporting the member countries citizens’ will to participate.
That will to participate and assist in the development of those
societies into nations achieving the UN MDGs is strengthened
by the use of SETM in UN PKO.
Notes:
“List of Least Developed Countries", UN, January1, 2014
(accessed July 18, 2014) http://www.un.org/en/development/
desa/policy/cdp/ldc/ldc_list.pdf.
2
“SPIDERS Industry Day Implementation Considerations”,
Burns and McDonnell and U.S. Department of Energy, (accessed September 1, 2013) , http://www1.eere.energy.gov/
femp/pdfs/spiders_implementation.pdf
1
Andrew Mayer is a Security
Assistance Analyst for the
Office of the Secretary of
Defense, Under Secretary
for Policy, Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
Andrew transferred to
DSCA from the Supreme
Headquarters Allied Powers
Europe (SHAPE)/European
Command Liaison Office
in the Pentagon. Before
working in the Pentagon,
he returned from working
as an instructor, professor, and Soldier in the Republic of
Korea for 10 years between 1997-2009.
Andrew attended the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, Portland State University, obtaining his Master’s
Degree in Public Administration, Management, and Policy focused on international solar policy; a full program,
in-residency, 65 graduate-credit degree. Andrew also
holds a Bachelor of Arts, Social Sciences, and a Bachelor
of Arts, Journalism and Communications, both from the
University of Oregon.