WCS has partnered with the Department of Defense Legacy Natural Resources Program to develop a series of training materials including a 20 minute training video that will be available as a recommended training for all military personnel and to conduct a broader web-based survey that will include respondents from all branches of the military.
Activities
WCS has created Fact Sheets, Officer Training Sheets, Smart or Pocket Cards, Presentations and even a filled in Form 4856, Development Counseling Form, or Cancellation Form for training purposes.
Threats
Most military personnel average between the ages of 18 and 26. As a result, they are not aware of the illegal nature of some wildlife items and they are unaware of the impacts of wildlife trade on biodiversity. Targeting our message depends on which branches of the military are accessing local markets and where these local markets are based. For example the Fort Drum pilot survey indicated that soldiers purchased wildlife products in 40 countries.
Accomplishments
Numerous training materials are now available for military personnel deploying to Afghanistan and Iraq. These materials are available online or by contacting wcswildlifetrade@wcs.org