Technology

Navy SEAL Team ‘Going Green’ with Renewable Energy?

Could one of the world’s most elite fighting units really be “going green?”

It appears so, as at least one Navy SEAL team is doing just that, and will be deployed to Afghanistan with solar-powered, renewable energy-friendly equipment.Navy Seal Team is Going Green

In remarks at the Navy Energy Forum last week, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus said that the soon to be deployed SEAL team is going to be “net zero” in energy, which means:

“They’re going to produce all the energy and the drinking water that they need. They’re going to use flexible generators that are many times more efficient than the generators we’re using today. They’re using portable solar battery chargers. They’re using portable solar rays. They’re using highly portable water purification units.”

But Mabus rejected any notion that the moving the military towards green choices has to do with political correctness or ideology. “Energy is a gap,” Mabus said, “It’s a vulnerability. So we’re doing this for one reason: to be better war fighters.”

In the case of the SEAL Green team, the idea is that they won’t have to be resupplied as often, and will be able to stay in remote locations longer. SEALs operate in all climates around the world, and need power for electronics, air conditioning, water purification and heating in remote outposts. The Green Seal unit will use solar arrays, solar battery chargers and flexible generators to power their devices, Mabus said.

Navy Seal Team is Going GreenRecent solar debacles have cast a negative light over government involvement in solar technology, but as Mabus pointed out, historically speaking the U.S. military has always been a leader in emerging energy technology. Mabus said, “We pioneered energy use and have almost throughout our entire history: in the 1850s, sail to coal; in the early 20th century, coal to oil; in the 1950s, pioneered the use of nuclear for transportation.”

Even more importantly, there have already been small-scale but highly successful trials involving military use of solar and other renewable technology with the Marine Corps.

India Company, a component of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, was the first deployed combat unit to be equipped with highly portable, front-line solar gear. Developed by Navy scientists, the equipment received its first boots-on-the-ground testing over the summer, and set a new blueprint for Marine Corps energy use.

The portable solar gear was so popular, soldiers have apparently requested more of it be shipped to Afghanistan even faster than originally planed. “Guys didn’t want to give it up,” said Maj. Sean Sadlier, a logistics analyst with the Marine Corps Expeditionary Energy Office. “What better review can you get than that.”

One officer involved in Marine operations in Sangin said he was skeptical of the gear at first and didn’t want to burden his men with “science projects,” but when he asked his men the response was that “They found it was a combat multiplier,” according to military times.

Navy Seal Team is Going Green

This December, the U.S. Marine Corps plans to send 10 sets of 20 solar panel systems to Afghanistan to power patrol and forward operating bases. Marine Corps brass believed using energy saving systems such as tent liners, LED lights, solar powered radios mini-generating grids  could save the taxpayer more than $40 million per year as compared to gas generator use.

Right now, Marines consume 5 million barrels of oil a day a a cost of $1 billion a year. And most importantly, the solar plan cuts down on resupply missions, which can result in marines killed or wounded in action. Statistically speaking, one Marine is wounded for every 50 fuel and water resupply convoys driven into Afghanistan.

Mabus said he views this all very pragmatically.  “When it comes to energy, everything we’re doing is to make us better warfighters and more secure,” he said, “Energy conservation and efficiency increase our combat range and endurance.”

If renewable energy tech truly saves marine lives and helps them in their war fighting efforts,  “going green” could increasingly become a military necessity in the 21-st century.

Comments (140)

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  • Constructionist
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 11:17am

    @GhostOfJefferson

    I‘m assuming ’portable solar rays‘ is just another example of that famous Blaze editorial quality control and was supposed to be solar ’arrays’. I have fewer problems than most in understanding what the Blaze is trying to report because my mistake-prone mother used to always tell me to, “Do what I mean, not what I say.”

    Report Post » Constructionist  
    • republitarian
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 12:11pm

      I think Ghost knew that and was just having a little fun with the staff. I guess they didn’t appreciate it. Too bad. It was funny.

      Report Post » republitarian  
  • Obfuscate
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 11:03am

    “Right now, Marines consume 5 million barrels of oil a day a a cost of $1 billion a year.”

    Somethings off on that math, unless the marines are using 1/4 of the oil used by the U.S. and only paying 54 cents per barrel.

    Report Post »  
    • mad_hatter
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 11:15am

      Have you seen the new equipment that is being worked on for the military. The technology to see through concrete+ walls. These guys from MIT came up with it, pretty awesome stuff: http://www.americanparchment.com/video/2011/oct/mit_radar_wall.html

      Report Post »  
    • Who would Jesus bomb?
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 12:41pm

      I thought the goal of the military was to destroy our enemies, not nit-pick over how much oil they use, but as usual I am way off.

      Report Post » Who would Jesus bomb?  
    • derekcranex
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 12:54pm

      You are correct. The US consumes an average of 18.8 million barrels a day of crude oil. Thus the marines, according to this story, uses about 26.6% of our daily use.

      However, I have a bigger concern. Will this new political correctness as indicated by these new green policies be determining other aspects for the Navy Seals? Specifically, will the inclusion of homosexuals in the military require that a certain percentage of SEALS be bona fide sissies?

      Report Post »  
    • pjmarshake
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 1:28pm

      @Who Would Jesus Bomb

      Keep in mind that the military needs to get to the fight before any shooting happens. The more fuel we save getting there, the more we have to press the advance.

      Radios need batteries for the observers to call in targets, call in MEDEVAC, or request more ammo… If you run out early in the fight, you you are useless until you are re-supplied.

      Report Post » pjmarshake  
    • InBox485
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 1:45pm

      Might want to check that math. 1 billion divided by 5 million is 200. That is $200 per barrel not $0.54. And yes that is about a 1/4 of the nations oil consumption. Maybe, just maybe, if Obama kept even one of good for nothing promises and brought the troops home, gas prices wouldn’t be in such a crunch.

      Also, I have to say good on the military for rejecting the green religion, and just taking a pragmatic look at being sustainable.

      Report Post »  
    • Obfuscate
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 3:26pm

      “Might want to check that math.”

      5 million barrels a DAY, 1 billion dollars a YEAR. $200/365 – 54.7 cents

      My point wasn’t to dwell on the amount of oil used, it was just that the amount and cost didn‘t make sense and that’s what caught my eye.

      Report Post »  
    • NES
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 6:24pm

      I’ve done solar research for the military, and, from a defense perspective, this has nothing to do with going green. Maybe BO Junior and the lapdog media will report it as a feel-good story, but it has to do with saving lives and money. Solar energy becomes cost competitive in sunlight-rich countries for supply routes in remote regions, especially in Afghanistan, due to the rough terrain and ambush/IED opportunities. It’s also important for light-weight, highly mobile energy to power equipment used by military personnel or for power when fuel supplies run out before redelivery. The best place to develop solar energy is in the military because it actually has a purpose and is more efficient in some cases rather than the subsidized, feel-good green industry BS.

      Report Post »  
    • LeftOfRightOfLeft
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 8:34pm

      @DEREKCRANEX

      I think people who support gays in the military just wanted equal opportunity for homosexuals as straights. Obviously this wouldn’t be the case if you were in charge seeing how every homosexual is a sissy. Just so you know there are already ‘sissies’ in our fighting forces that deserve just as much respect as the next one. Way to support your troops by calling them ‘sissies’.

      Report Post »  
    • Salamander
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:22pm

      Yeah! Fight at night, Recharge during the day! Beware the occasional sand storm, and make sure your day-hideaway is is bright Sunlight–making it easier for the ‘bad guys’ to find you–they only have to look in the Sunny spots! Also, the entire Solar sphere is important for max recharge, so being in a valley, with ridges cutting the amount of ‘blue sky’ available, greatly curtails the amount of solar energy available for recharge! But, all things considered, it means less oil has to be brought in by transport and fewer batteries to carry around.

      Report Post »  
    • Homeschoolmama
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 1:34am

      Actually if my math is correct 1,000,000,000 / 5,000,000= 200 dollars a barrel which is between 60%-100% more than the rest of us.

      Report Post »  
  • jmiller_42
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 11:01am

    Of course they like it. I would use it too if I could afford it. The government took all my money to buy Al Gore an electric sports car, and to pay for some illegal immigrant’s college education. No one disputes that this stuff isn’t awesome, it’s just not cost effective. Another big bill sent to us by the Military industrial complex. Next we will be hearing how our ambassadors can get places faster with Ferraris. “They just don’t want to give them up” well of course they don’t want to give them up! “We’re going to give some company a no bid contract to make us 100 more Ferraris so we can send them over right away!” WAKE UP! This isn’t about the troops, it’s about lining some fat cats wallet.

    Report Post » jmiller_42  
    • wbalzley
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 12:35pm

      A little lesson in scale economics. Any new technology is expensive and inefficient when it first comes out–just look at the first automobiles and computers. The price goes DOWN and efficiency IMPROVES as technology moves into mass production.

      Report Post »  
    • marion
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 1:05pm

      Yes, but people have to want it first. This artificial subsidized and tax credit stuff does not get companies to make it happen because they get paid for the more expensive “stuff”. Name one subsidized item that has gotten cheaper over time the way computers, cellphones, and early automobiles, which were all Capitalistically suported.

      One reason the military is using the solar stuff more is two-fold. One, there isn’t a lot of clean water out there unless you have a larger base and distilling plants to make fresh water, and solar panels used because there just aren’t a lot of power wires out in the remote areas, either. It is a needed technology to perform more stealthily, just like satellite cell phones replaced HF, VHF, LF, SHF handheld radios in a lot of plans.

      Given the military is using it more (have been for about the last decade or more), maybe it will become more efficient, which is the main problem, including storage mediums.

      Report Post »  
    • wbalzley
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 1:18pm

      @MARION Actually, you might want to check your history on that. The government had a hand in subsidizing ALL of those technologies when they first started. Good ole’ Uncle Sam footed the bill to develop the technology and put it into mass production (for the military). Capitalism only kicked in once economies of scale had dropped the price and improved the efficiency enough to turn a profit. This can also be said of nearly every technological advancement since the Civil War.

      Report Post »  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 2:33pm

      the 1st computer was developed during WW2 for the specific purpose of calculating artillery shell ballistics. wind, humidity, earth’s rotation, shell weight….
      it was called ENIAC I believe. It was a city block in size. I am certain this behemoth cost a LARGE fortune. what ever you are looking at this text with is thousands of times more powerful than that first computer.

      and NO the babbage machine was not a computer (a precursor certainly)

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • chris3
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 7:41pm

      the military is one place that I don’t mind some r&d money, if anyone can make it work the guys can, think about the microwave,gps,radio’s in-general,duct tape, super glue,etc,etc.we will get their toys when they upgrade and give the tech to civi’s( and I know it’s actually contractors who build and sell to both,who employ work here)

      Report Post »  
  • GhostOfJefferson
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:48am

    “They’re using portable solar rays.”

    I’m fairly certain that solar rays are not portable. They travel at the speed of light and dang nabbit if I’ve ever been able to successfully catch one, let alone carry it somewhere. With solar rays, you get what you get, but you’re not going to move one around much.

    Just sayin’.

    Now manta rays, that’s an entirely different situation. I doubt the Navy seals have much use for manta rays most of the time though, and I suspect any power production a manta ray does is fairly insignificant.

    Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • motonutt
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 11:01am

      If this is actually good for the teams GREAT! if it’s a less efficient way for them then this is B.S.
      I will not buy or do business with a company that markets their “green’ness”

      Report Post » motonutt  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 11:56am

      I’d bet they had been using some of this equipment for awhile, they are just giving it a new name “green energy.” If it works for them, is cost effective, and doesn’t have a high fail rate, then more power to them.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
  • Drakkhanlord
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:46am

    i still wondering why and how it is ok that we are still in these Countries after 10years …

    Everyone is ok with this…?

    Trillions of dollars wasted and the so called ene mies are NOW in charge of egypt, iraq, afghan, etc etc .

    What exactly did we accomplish…? Not to mention all the Muzz zllimm refu gees being imported to the US …How does this make us safer or fight Terr orism…?

    11/11/11
    join us in DC and put a stop to this warmongering GOVT…

    Report Post » Drakkhanlord  
    • wbalzley
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 12:45pm

      From the perspective of politicians and their pseudo-capitalist cronies War is GREAT. War means we can redirect our frustration towards an outside enemy. War means huge windfall profits for military contractors. War means you get people who will willingly give up their freedoms and slave away voluntarily (personal sacrifice) for the “cause.” To these people, war is an OPPORTUNITY to expand the powers of government and stuff their pockets with taxpayer dollars.

      Report Post »  
    • wbalzley
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 12:55pm

      And, on a side note, World War 3 has already started, we are just waiting for the opportunity to make it official…think Lucitania, Pearl Harbor, Gulf of Tonkin, or 9/11…

      Report Post »  
  • Drakkhanlord
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:44am

    i still wondering why and how it is ok that we are still in these Countries after 10years …

    Everyone is ok with this…?

    Trillions of dollars wasted and the so called enemies are NOW in charge of egypt, iraq, afghan, etc etc .

    What exactly did we accomplish…? Not to mention all the Muzzzllimm refugees being imported to the US …How does this make us safer or fight Ter rorism…?

    11/11/11
    join us in DC and put a stop to this warmongering GOVT…

    Report Post » Drakkhanlord  
    • Who would Jesus bomb?
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 12:44pm

      You might want to spray some WD-40 into your keyboard, esp. under the space bar, I think it’s stuck.

      Report Post » Who would Jesus bomb?  
    • wbalzley
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 1:30pm

      @WHOWOULDJESUSBOMB in response to your screen name, read the Book of Revelation, along with Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, and Christ’s own teachings about the Second Coming: The world will BURN.

      Report Post »  
  • Drakkhanlord
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:43am

    i still wondering why and how it is ok that we are still in these Countries after 10years …

    Everyone is ok with this…?

    Trillions of dollars wasted and the so called enemies are NOW in charge of egypt, iraq, afghan, etc etc .

    What exactly did we accomplish…? Not to mention all the Muzzzllimm refugees being imported to the US …How does this make us safer or fight Terrorism…?

    11/11/11
    join us in DC and put a stop to this warmongering GOVT…

    Report Post » Drakkhanlord  
    • natebub
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:46am

      Yeah now were in Libya and Africa,,,,,,what are we doing there???

      Report Post » natebub  
  • DTOM_Jericho (Creator vindicator)
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:41am

    So basically, Bush wanted his oil buddies to get rich and not Obama wants his GE/green buddies to get rich. It never ends.

    Let’s just bring troops the f home.

    Report Post » DTOM_Jericho (Creator vindicator)  
  • Constructionist
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:39am

    @ Korbin
    If you were under the impression that the US only used American products, then you haven’t been paying attention. For instance, the Army’s new ACU uniform is made in the same place as the old BDUs were: China.

    Report Post » Constructionist  
    • korbin
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:44am

      Im old school, here in 29 palms commufornia MCAGCC, I have worked for companies that were terminated for using chinese products. That was in the late 80′s though, you are probably right.

      Report Post »  
    • AxelPhantom
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 11:14am

      Baotau the largest of the rare earth producers in China has halted production (trying to control market prices). China is the largest producer of the rare earth minerals necessary to make solar panels, cell phone batteries, radar and much of out other military equipment. China currently has control over the rare earth market much like OPEC controls the oil market.

      Report Post »  
    • wbalzley
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 12:51pm

      @AxelPhantom: That is why American universities are teaming up with industry to develop next-generation solar technology that does not require exotic materials. In a few years we will have more efficient panels made of Copper, Ion, Nickel, Silicon, and Carbon.

      Report Post »  
  • Vechorik
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:38am

    Speaking of “green” In Europe, the Green party is the same as the extreme-left in the USA. They are the one world government group that wants no borders, socialism, etc. The fact that Ralph Nader is the Green Party really scares me.

    Do your homework, America!

    Report Post »  
  • Channel3
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:36am

    Consider some benefits of solar:
    No noise.
    No exhaust.
    No fuel.
    Simple.
    Far less failure points.
    Light weight.

    Report Post »  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:40am

      Consider the benefits of NOT spending my money on the military industrial complex. I wonder how many jobs could be created by the public sector if our money wasn’t wasted on this garbage.

      The best way the SEALs can go “green”, is to sit their asses down somewhere and stop wasting my tax dollars overthrowing foreign dictators that my tax dollars installed.

      Bring our troops home.

      Yesterday.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:50am

      Sure, I have nothing against solar power. But you have to present all of the check mark items here. The conversion rate from solar to usable electricity is abysmal (what, 14% for the most super advanced cells I think, and those only in laboratories?), you have to actually have the sun in the sky to use it (meaning that solar powered flashlights, well, bad idea), the space required to harness a significant amount of solar energy is enormous, and last you have to have someplace to store that energy if you‘re not using it right there at the time it’s collected.

      I like solar energy, but I’m realistic about it.

      GhostOfJefferson  
    • RichNGadsden
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:54am

      I am all for it if it works and shows how it if beneficial to carry large loads of fuels and having to run generators. Man, I hated those noisy generators back in my day. But, I have to ask one question. Have you ever handled any of that equipment? It is generally flimsy, prone to cracking and breaking. For rough terrain movement it has to be packed in bulky protective fiberglass cases. Then considering it is made in China, you can multiply flimsy exponentially. Again, if it does work as they expect, then I am all for it. But, I seriously doubt the technology has come to fruition yet.

      Report Post » RichNGadsden  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 11:01am

      Solar Power doesn’t work as designed.

      For me to power my entire home solar, it would take a panel 268 x 268 ft wide. That’s damn near an entire city block.

      The answer to unlimited generation of power is in the electromagnetic field, and is a mechanical derivation of e=mc^2.

      You simply wrap a very large solenoid, put a very large magnetic rotor inside of it, and rotate the thing. Collect inductive power from rotation, run it through a bridge rectirfier, and feed the back electromotive force back into the rotor. Repeat.

      You can tap energy off of that thing as long as it’s roatating, and it’ll rotate as long as you only use 50% of the power generated, and feed 50% back into the system to keep it rotating.

      Problem solved.

      I can’t wait until they try to shut off the power to cities. There’s a lot of copper wire in those power lines…

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • derekcranex
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 12:55pm

      …and far less energy.

      Report Post »  
    • Lord_Frostwind
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 11:51pm

      I am highly skeptical of any “Green” initiative, but I will give the military the benefit of the doubt and I trust them a lot more than Solyndra or the other front companies in the Green Movement. I just hope there is enough accountability that we know if the technology is actually effective.

      Report Post » Lord_Frostwind  
  • Mapache
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:27am

    or they can just take out the ner-do wells with a knife and eliminate the pollutants that come out of the barrel of a gun.

    Report Post » Mapache  
  • Dougral Supports Israel
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:26am

    I can see where some of that technology could be a plus. I believe it should be used where it works. I do fear that the politicians will push it farther than it should go and end up hurting our soldiers.

    Report Post »  
  • TyrannyNoMore
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:23am

    If it reduces the need for vulnerable fuel convoys I am all for it. Too bad there isn’t a way to manufacture ammo in the field yet.
    This at least appears to be a smart application of green technology, as apposed to when the EPA made the Air-force replace all the coolant in the Minute Man missiles to the more environment friendly, non-freon type.

    Report Post » TyrannyNoMore  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:53am

      “Too bad there isn’t a way to manufacture ammo in the field yet.”

      Only Captain James T. Kirk can do that. Heck, he can even make the gun to fire aforementioned ammunition, start a fire to ignite the gunpowder he created, and blast an alien being back into oblivion.

      What the Navy seals need, in my opinion, is to get ahold of James T. Kirk. He could teach them a thing or two about self sufficiency. And picking up every women he sees, he could teach them about that too.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
  • wakeup1
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:22am

    oh ok wow …yea lets hide and be secret with BLARING shinny SOLAR panels lol Somethings wrong with this article good grief….

    Report Post » wakeup1  
    • TyrannyNoMore
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:39am

      I think our troops are smart enough to know how to hide them from the enemy. Note the picture above shows them to be deployed in some sort of pit. Since the Taliban does not have aircraft to spy from above, the panel probably would not give away the location of the troops. As long as we own the sky, the panels can probably be deployed with impunity.

      Report Post » TyrannyNoMore  
    • Rocky_biskit
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:48am

      EXACTLY MY THOUGHTS!!!!

      While I do see some applications for this technology, I did think that solar panels really dont serve any camouflage type missions.

      Report Post »  
  • AnAmerican111
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:21am

    Anything that benefits and wins approval of our Military soldiers is a plus!

    Report Post »  
  • Skee
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:18am

    I thought Navy Seals are supposed to kill,
    doesn’t killing the Earth fall in that category.
    Absured green policies are going to get are
    soldiers killed by shelving proven systems
    for political correctness.

    Report Post » Skee  
  • korbin
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:17am

    Think about this..?? most if not all solar panels are made in China. I was always under the impression the US military only uses USA products..? Finally, China and other US enemies will have the advantage from here on out, they will plant GPS micro chips in every panel sold to the USA whooaallaa. Hmmmmm someone as usual is not thinking, and how covert are big shiny objects that can reflect light for miles and give away locations. I am stupid and I know better than that from a tactical stand point. We are going down quick..

    Report Post »  
    • TyrannyNoMore
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:26am

      Whoa…..Good point ! I didn’t think of that. Common sense wins again!

      Report Post » TyrannyNoMore  
    • korbin
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:27am

      Thanks, I have never been told I had common sense. It kinda feels good.

      Report Post »  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:30am

      They are using Solyndra Solar Panels, that no American could afford to buy.Or many of the other solar panel company’s that Barry funded and now owns.

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
  • randy
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:14am

    If my son or daughter was over there and one of them lost their loves or was injured because of the use of stupid green technology, no one would be safe. This is just stupid!

    Report Post » randy  
  • barber2
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:13am

    Wish them well. Hope it doesn’t rain much. And those solar panels look a bit bulky for transport . Won’t they make also big targets ? Trust our military but not the “brains” in government who probably are now “regulating” them. Do we have a Military Czar yet ?

    Report Post »  
    • RichNGadsden
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:26am

      Yeah, although he is actually a cabinet member, Leon Panetta.

      Report Post » RichNGadsden  
    • TyrannyNoMore
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:32am

      Leon Panetta’s mandate, from Obama, is to gut our military and slash their budget.

      Report Post » TyrannyNoMore  
  • ares338
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:12am

    Going Green doesn’t have to have negative liberal connotations. I am all for this if it economically feasible and not tied to a political agenda. We should always look for a better way to do things if it makes fiscal sense!

    Report Post » ares338  
    • barber2
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:25am

      Agree. If only we could get the politicking and payola out of government economic decisions.

      Report Post »  
  • JRook
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:11am

    Perhaps now we can divert the $5 billion plus subsidies to the disadvantaged oil companies to accelerating the development of superior solar panels and high efficiency wind generators.

    Report Post »  
    • RichNGadsden
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:31am

      There has been far more than 500 Billion of our “green” backs poured into solar and bird chopping windmills. When the money goes toward a tried and true form or energy there is certainly a benefit to us all. When billions upon billions poured into something that does not yet work the only benefit is the kick back to the politics lazing around inside certain pockets.

      Report Post » RichNGadsden  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 11:44am

      @ROOK

      “To dream………the impossible dream”

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
  • theninthplanet
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:10am

    I didn’t realize solar arrays were covert.

    Report Post » theninthplanet  
  • RichNGadsden
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:10am

    “It appears so, as at least one Navy SEAL team is doing just that, and will be deployed to Afghanistan with solar-powered, renewable energy-friendly equipment.” This statement above made one of Bill Maudlin’s WWII Willie & Joe cartoons pop into my head. It showed American troops marching in column from fresh landings post D-Day with a trail of gas mask pouches behind them. When this expensive crap fails to work it will be jettisoned too. Another stupid form or social experimenting forced upon the military. I still say the only thing “green” about any of this load of crap is the number of green backs flushed down the crapper to pay for it.

    Report Post » RichNGadsden  
  • Al J Zira
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:09am

    I especially like how inconspicuous the whole set up is. Sorry for being a skeptic but if solar technology doesn’t work for the average homeowner what would make me feel comfortable giving it to a guy whose life depends on it? If it actually does make a difference I‘ll be more than happy to eat my words but for now I’ll remain skeptical. I also don’t hear too much about resupply lines being decimated and lives being lost to warrant something like this.

    Report Post » Al J Zira  
    • BelowAverageJoe
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 11:00am

      Your skepticism is well placed in my opinion. The piece The Blaze is quoting from Marine Corps Times feels a lot like military rah rah BS propaganda. I have the utmost respect for the military, but Obama has promoted generals who are in line with his ideology in place of generals who have the security of the nation as their top priority. The damage this man is causing will reverberate for years to come.

      Report Post » BelowAverageJoe  
    • Rusty Truck
      Posted on October 22, 2011 at 9:25am

      there’s nothing quite about a US military compound with all the towers, helicopters, generators, tanks and demo ranges, aero stat balloons, and razor wire. If we don‘t have to send fuel trucks out to power our out posts that’s good for us. In Afghanistan it takes 7 gallons of fuel to get one gallon to the front lines. When I was in Iraq the supply convoys where what kept us in the fight and the enemy knew it. If we could reduce the numbers of generators we have in service it would be a huge strategic advantage from a logistics stand point.

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