PESP is a voluntary program that forms partnerships with pesticide users to implement pollution prevention strategies and reduce the health and environmental risks associated with pesticide use. Champions are selected based on their outstanding efforts promoting integrated pest management and advancing pollution prevention. The Department of Defense was the only federal agency selected for this honor in 2004. This award is DoD's third consecutive PESP award.

The award was based on AFPMB's successful activities completed in 2003. Those activities included developing and deploying a new malaria test kit; field testing a new repellent for mosquito and sand flies; and cooperating in the development of an air curtain for aircraft that reduces or eliminates reliance upon pesticides. The board also was recognized for reducing pesticide use beyond the 50 percent target. Last year a 56 percent reduction in pesticide use was reported.

The mission of AFPMB is to recommend policy, provide guidance, and coordinate the exchange of information on all matters related to pest management throughout DoD. It ensures that environmentally sound and effective programs are present to prevent pests and diseases from adversely affecting DoD operations.