That’s the desired vision of the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission (NCMAC). Using their Governor-granted powers of influence and collaboration, this 23-person Commission within the Governor’s office, is crafting ongoing initiatives and campaigns to ensure that North Carolina continues and expands its supportive relationship with its active military and veteran communities.
As a part of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), it’s role and major 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)
That is to say, 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. By elevating the status of NCMAC to a cabinet-level department, the state has ensured the issues that affected Service members and Veterans are a priority for the future of the state.
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.

NCMAC organizes and accomplishes its mission through four committees that focus on specific areas of the Defense economy in NC. These active committees are:
- Base Sustainability
- Economic Development
- Quality of Life
- Legislative Affairs
Each of these committees and its members are tasked with developing, promoting, and building initiatives that assist and grow the Defense industry in North Carolina. They are in constant collaboration with other state agencies, defense advocates, non-profits and private corporations who share their desire to strengthen and support this vital defense economy. You may review their current Strategic Plan at the following link: https://www.milvets.nc.gov/nc-mac/north-carolina-military-affairs-commissions-2020 -strategic-plan.
How does the NCMAC affect you?
You may know that according to industry experts, North Carolina is proving to be one of the most promising business regions in the U.S. for collaboration and investment. However, FEW NC citizens know that the defense sector is the second-largest economic sector in North Carolina with a contribution of over 12% of GDP. This is due to the contribution of the State’s military installations, DOD contracts and other defense-related companies within the defense industry. It is fostered by North Carolina’s ongoing commitment to the DOD, defense industry leaders and companies. The NCMAC and its initiatives clearly show’s the Governor’s and the States commitment to our defense industry and economy.
Military installations provide direct economic benefit and growth to host communities and the State overall. Military and civilian employment – as well as Defense contracts – infuse sizable, stable monies into every aspect of the NC economy.
Additionally, the people who transition out of the military compose a highly educated and technically qualified workforce for other North Carolina industries.
Did you realize that over 19,000 active-duty service members complete military service in North Carolina annually, providing a dynamic workforce pipeline and pool?

Promoting the Workforce of the Future
The NCMAC supports and promotes North Carolina’s Veteran workforce as a valuable and ready asset For NC employers. This skilled workforce has been trained by the absolute best in DOD and is steeped in real-world experience. They are:
- Well educated and results-oriented
- Trained and experienced in high-tech environments
- Secure and pre-vetted with high-level security clearances
- Professionals with transferable real-world experiences
- Leaders and demonstrated team-players
This personnel asset for your business is available and ready to deploy. Veterans are the Workforce of the Future. NCMAC wants to make sure you take advantage of this unique opportunity to attract and hire high-quality employees
On Mission
The NCMAC is accomplishing its ongoing mission of supporting our state’s defense industry and economy. Learn all about their purpose, goals and current initiatives here.
The Defense Alliance of North Carolina (DANC) is a private, non-profit defense sector advocacy organization focused on strengthening North Carolina’s defense sector and those who support it. DANC staff and members work closely with the NCMAC to support their 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 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 NCMAC.
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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