Strengthening North Carolina’s Leadership in Defense, Innovation, and Military Readiness
North Carolina has long been one of America’s most important military states. Home to major military installations, a large active-duty and veteran population, world-class research institutions, and a growing advanced manufacturing base, North Carolina possesses many of the assets needed to lead in defense technology, manufacturing, and innovation.
Yet despite these strengths, North Carolina is not capturing defense investment at the level its assets would suggest. The state’s military footprint creates a unique opportunity to grow high-wage jobs, strengthen national security, support military families, and expand economic opportunity through defense manufacturing and innovation.
The NC Chamber is committed to advancing policies and partnerships that strengthen North Carolina’s military and defense ecosystem while ensuring the state remains competitive for future federal investment, research activity, and private-sector growth.
First in Defense
The NC Chamber and the NC Critical Technologies Alliance launched the First in Defense Initiative to position North Carolina as a national leader in defense manufacturing, innovation, and critical technologies.
The initiative is focused on helping North Carolina capture a larger share of federal defense investment while strengthening collaboration among industry, government, higher education, military leadership, and economic development organizations.
North Carolina has successfully built nationally recognized agriculture and life sciences sectors through long-term collaboration and strategic alignment. First in Defense seeks to apply those same principles to the defense economy by creating a shared vision for growth and competitiveness.
Companies and organizations interested in participating in the First in Defense Initiative should contact Jake Cashion, vice president of government affairs, at the NC Chamber.
Learn more about First in Defense
“North Carolina has a proud history of supporting our nation’s military. With over eight military installations, world-class research institutions, and a highly-skilled veterans workforce, North Carolina is well-positioned to lead in defense technology and manufacturing to support our nation’s warfighters and meet growing global threats to our national security. I applaud the NC Chamber and the North Carolina Critical Technologies Alliance for leading this coalition of partners to help make the First in Flight State also become the First in Defense.”
— U.S. Senator Ted Budd
Supporting Veterans and Military Families
North Carolina’s military community is one of the state’s greatest workforce assets.
Each year, thousands of highly trained service members transition from military service into civilian careers, bringing leadership experience, technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and mission-focused discipline to employers across the state.
The NC Chamber supports efforts that strengthen workforce pathways for veterans, military spouses, and transitioning service members while helping employers better connect with this exceptional talent pool.
As workforce challenges continue across industries, North Carolina’s military community represents a significant opportunity to strengthen talent pipelines and support long-term economic growth.
The Agenda
View our Legislative Agenda to learn how the NC Chamber is working to strengthen North Carolina’s military and defense ecosystem, support veterans and military families, and advance the state’s competitiveness in defense manufacturing and innovation.
Join the Effort
North Carolina has the talent, infrastructure, military presence, and business climate to become a national leader in defense innovation and manufacturing.
Help shape the future of this important industry and ensure North Carolina captures the opportunities ahead. Explore membership opportunities with the NC Chamber today.