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Military Community Representation on State Defense Councils

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Key Message

The unique needs of military families may go unheard without representation on state-level advisory bodies focused on the defense community. States can establish statewide military defense-focused councils that consider military family readiness and dedicate one or more seats to members of the military community.

Analysis

Statewide military affairs boards and councils, created by law or executive order, serve as central resources for state leaders on military-related issues impacting military installations, the National Guard, military families and overall military readiness. To be effective, they should operate statewide, focus on military affairs, include military community representatives and prioritize family readiness topics such as education, housing and employment.

Insights

Incorporating a military perspective into statewide defense councils can enhance community-level support for military families, increase family readiness and improve military retention.

State Policymakers

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