b. Unit Staffs. Unit staffs have inherent responsibilities within their areas of expertise that require
environmental actions. While addressing environmental issues may depend on the command or
commander, staffs incorporate environmental concerns into unit SOPs and outline the responsibilities of
the units Army environmental compliance officer (ECO). The unit staff also integrates environmental
considerations into the planning and execution processes, particularly in their areas of expertise.
Common staff duties provide the basis for some environmental responsibilities, while FM 5-0 (101-5)
provides a basis for others.
c. Environmental Compliance Officer (ECO). The key proponent who fulfills environmental
requirements successfully at the unit level is the ECO. AR 200-1 directs all Army unit commanders to
"appoint and train ECOs at appropriate levels to ensure that compliance actions take place."
(1) The ECO manages environmental issues at the unit level and ensures environmental
compliance. The ECO also coordinates through the respective chain of command with the supporting
installation environmental staff to clarify requirements and obtain assistance.
(2) The ECO accomplishes environmental compliance requirements on behalf of the
commander. While the ECO does not hold a formal staff position, the ECO is critical to the commander's
environmental program. The ECO--
Advises the unit on environmental compliance during training, operations, and
logistics functions.
Serves as the commander's eyes and ears for environmental matters.
Manages information concerning the unit's environmental training and certification
requirements.
Performs unit environmental self-assessment inspections.
Performs environmental-risk assessments.
d. Subordinate Leaders. All leaders must build an environmental ethic in their soldiers by training
and counseling subordinates on environmental stewardship, leading by example, and enforcing
compliance with laws and regulations. Leaders--
Communicate the Army environmental ethic to soldiers, while training them to be
good environmental stewards.
Develop and sustain a positive and proactive commitment to environmental
protection.
Identify environmental risks associated with individual, collective, and mission-
essential task list (METL) task performance.
Plan and conduct environmentally sustainable actions and training.
Protect the environment during training and other activities.
Analyze the influence of environmental factors on mission accomplishment.
EN 5702
2-2
Previous Page
