Sustainability is the foundation of a new military strategy for the environment, a proactive approach to minimizing potential con. icts associated with military training. Senior military leaders in the State of Washington launched the Washington State Military Sustainability Partnership in 2003 to focus on sustainability as a concept, believing that military land use and resource conservation can be compatible, and that sustainable military operations can be developed.

The Partnership’s goal is to show leadership by developing sustainable military operations that go beyond solving today’s problems to laying a foundation that balances mission, well being, and the environment in the long term. Partners agreed to establish a strategy for their own organizations, to share goals, and to seek additional partners from Federal, tribal, state and local organizations.

The Partnership has drafted a formal Charter, agreed to joint sustainability goals, sponsored a Sustainability Education Day for Military Leadership, provided Sustainability Training Workshops for each of the military services, and offered Service Sustainability Training to several hundred military participants. Soon, the Partnership will move beyond goal-setting and educational programs to on-the-ground activities.

The Partnership has reinforced positive relationships with environmental agencies and surrounding communities. OFEE, EPA Region 10, the State of Washington, NIKE Corporation, and the Natural Capitalism Group have provided encouragement, expertise, and guidance. In the future, the Partnership plans to integrate other federal, state, and tribal regional sustainability goals into its own.

Ultimately, this multi-stakeholder process will leverage resources and integrate sustainable land management practices, thereby improving the military’s ability to organize, equip, train, and deploy personnel while protecting the environment and strengthening community ties.