by Van Carpenter, DANC Communications Committee Chair
NO, the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission (NCMAC) is not some new burger creation for North Carolina with millions served.
YES, it is an Executive Commission established by the Governor.
The NCMAC Vision is “to position North Carolina as the most military and veteran friendly state in the United States.” Let’s take a quick look at what the NCMAC’s role, mission, and strategies are while it continues to pursue its vision for North Carolina.
It’s major role and purpose is: “to provide advice, counsel and recommendations to the Governor, the NC General Assembly, the Secretary of Commerce and other State agencies on initiatives, programs and legislation that will continue and increase the role that NC’s military installations, the National Guard and Reserves play in America’s defense strategy and the economic health and vitality of the State. The Commission will recommend actions to protect the existing military infrastructure in North Carolina, maintain a high quality of life for military members and their families and to promote new military missions and economic opportunities for the State and its citizens.” (NCMAC Web site)
The NCMAC is here to be an advocate, protector, promoter and supporter of the defense economy and military infrastructure in North Carolina staying aware of all the issues and challenges surrounding its growth and sustainability.
The Defense Alliance of North Carolina (DANC), its members and staff, work with the NCMAC to support that mission and to provide value to our defense economy members. Recently, DANC was engaged to help promote the messages and mission of the NCMAC throughout NC. Utilizing our outreach capabilities and our extensive Forum events, we are working closely with the NCMAC to enhance their awareness, goals and accomplishment of its mission. In addition to the Cluster Study (official name) that DANC has initiated and is implementing, we are bringing information, promotion and strategic communication resources and tactics to bear in promoting the scope and function of the NC MAC.
What is the NCMAC and how does it affect you?
The official written description is “The NC Military Affairs Commission was established within the Office of the Governor by Senate Bill 613, effective August 1st, 2013. In 2015, House Bill 97 made the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs responsible for organizational, budgetary and administrative purposes of the Commission. The Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs serves as the administrative head of the Commission and is responsible for the operations and normal business activities of the Commission, with oversight by the Commission. “(NCMAC Web site) Prior to the creation of the Department, the Division of Veterans Affairs was under the Department of Administration while all military-related matters fell under the Department of Commerce. By elevating the status to a cabinet-level department, the state has ensured the issues that affect Service members and Veterans are a priority for the future of the state.
The functional and practical description of the NCMAC is that its members comprise a Commission, established in the Governor’s office, to provide counsel and information about various components of the NC Defense economy. The North Carolina Military Affairs Commission consist of a full commission of 23 voting representatives appointed by the Governor, from all military communities in the State. The President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives are also members of the Commission.
The NCMAC executes and makes recommendations through the action of its four committees. Those committees are:
- Base Sustainability & Community Affairs
- Economic Development
- Legislative Affairs
- Quality of Life
The North Carolina Military Affairs Commission has developed a comprehensive strategic plan to enhance North Carolina Military installations and their missions to report on the State’s performance under the plan. Take a look at the plan and its Four Pillars, and you will better understand how the NCMAC works to assist all of us in the defense economy. This Strategic Plan will be updated every 4 years.
CLICK HERE TO REVIEW STRATEGIC PLAN
Let’s take a quick look at the Goals of the NCMAC. Executed through its committees and members these goals are to:
Protect North Carolina’s existing military installations and missions
The goal is to advise the Governor on ways to protect North Carolina’s military installations, infrastructure, training ranges and low level routes from encroachment or other initiatives that could degrade the military mission. The Commission members, both voting and ex-officio, wok with community leaders, installation commanders, state and federal agencies, land use and environmental groups, developers and other partners to identify potential threats or problems. They then develop solutions to the issues and assist with resolving them before they encroach on installations or adversely affect military training and other missions.
Expand defense-related Economic Development in NC
The Commission provide assistance, support and recommendations to the N.C. Secretary of Commerce that identify and support economic development opportunities. These opportunities focus on leveraging the military, help create jobs and expand defense and homeland security related economic growth opportunities in North Carolina.
Improve Quality of Life for military members and families
NCMAC seeks to improve the quality of life for military members and their families, retirees, and veterans who live in North Carolina by identifying and supporting initiatives, programs and legislation that protect and enhance military programs and benefits. They also have ongoing initiatives to promote mutual understanding and support between military members on installations and adjacent communities and encourage joint planning, cooperation and sharing of services.
Provide Legislative and State Agency coordination for military relate issues
The Commission’s goal is to clarify and strengthen the ability of the General Assembly and State Agencies to carry out their functions and to write legislation appropriate to support the objectives of the State. They also strive to coordinate and leverage efforts among military installations, state agencies, military interest groups and others to take appropriate actions at the state level to promote base sustainability, economic development and quality of life.
Lead the state’s efforts to prepare for the next Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.
There will be an ongoing initiative to look at base realignment and closure. NCMAC desires to coordinate community, regional and state efforts in preparation for the next BRAC and define a process that communities involved should follow to prepare for the next BRAC.
The above was a very quick look at the NCMAC and its purpose and goals. In summary, the NC Military Affairs Commission (NCMAC) is working hard, both strategically and tactically, to accomplish its goals and create a better North Carolina Defense Economy. The Honorable D. Grier Martin III, Chairman of the NCMAC recently stated in the Commission’s Strategic Plan, “The North Carolina Military Affairs Commission is proud of the work we do for our military installations, military families, and the communities that provide them a home. Our state’s connection with our military presence remains strong, but we can never take it for granted. The work of the NCMAC ensures that this connection will endure and flourish into the future.”
If you would like to know more about the NCMAC and DANC’s efforts to promote the defense economy in North Carolina, please feel free to contact us.
About the DANC Communications Committee Chair:
Van Carpenter (US Navy Retired) is a global business change agent, advisor and communicator. He regularly advises, coaches, speaks and trains on innovation, creative change, catalyst communications & marketing, and adaptive leadership. Van has over thirty plus years of entrepreneurial and executive experience in corporate, government, military, marketing, agency and entrepreneurial sectors. He brings his unique blend of diverse experience, business acumen, humor, and real-world perspective to both his advice and communication.
Van is a retired Commander in the Naval Reserve. He lives near Clayton NC with his wife Deborah and is currently hanging out in the “basement office” while managing his business consulting and innovation group – Van Carpenter Innovative Solutions. Contact him anytime at 919-539-3499 or email him your topic suggestions to van@vancarpenter.com.
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