DOD international environmental activities

Abstract

In this exclusive interview to the Journal, Mr. Gary D. Vest outlines the development of Department of Defense (DOD) international environmental activities over the past two decades and assesses their implications in terms of U.S. national security and environmental policy making. He discusses how these activities fit within former Secretary of Defense William J. Perry's concept of preventive defense to foster global stability and peace by enhancing environmental quality and quality of life. Working with the militaries of other nations, Mr. Vest explains how DOD's environmental expertise is being used to promote democratic institutions and respect for civilian control, as well as laying the groundwork for effective military environmental programs. He also explains how DOD's international environmental activities have improved coordination among relevant federal agencies and various international bodies in addressing regional environmental problems and paving the way for more coherent and effective working relationships in the future. Also addressed is the participation of the U.S. environmental industry in recent DOD international environmental activities and how this may translate into a greater share of a growing global market. He stresses that one of the most important aspects for a larger U.S. role in international environmental developments is that they may well end up being the driving force in the development of future U.S. environmental policy standards, not what the U.S. government or Congress is doing.