Analysis of the Air Force Environmental Management System

In order to be effective and responsible stewards of the environment, the Air Force needs an environmental management system that is properly constructed, organized, and operated. Unfortunately, the current state of the Air Force's environmental management system is not clear. This research, utilizing a variety of analytical and quantitative tools, provides a better understanding of the current state of the environmental management system in the Air Force. First, areas of vulnerability within the existing Air Force environmental management system were identified through an analysis of Environmental Compliance Assessment and Management Program (ECAMP) data and a field investigation. Through this analysis, eleven systemic areas of vulnerability were identified. A breakdown of the areas of vulnerability are presented to provide insight and guide Air Force environmental leaders in correction efforts. Additionally, a correlation was made of areas of vulnerability in the current Air Force environmental management system with model environmental management system elements exemplified by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14000 standards.