Georgia Joint Defense Commission

Purpose

The Commission is tasked with advising the Governor and members of the General Assembly on state and federal defense and military issues, as well as crafting recommendations that promote the “long-term viability and development” of both active and civilian military infrastructure.
 

Mission

The Georgia Joint Defense Commission shall:

  • Advise the Governor and the General Assembly on issues relating to the military, the defense industry, defense research and technology, military families, and veterans affairs within the state and nationally.
  • Make recommendations regarding policies and plans to support the long-term viability and development of the defense industry and the military, both active and civilian, in this state.
  • Develop methods to assist defense-dependent communities in the design and execution of programs that enhance each community’s relationship with military installations and the defense industry.
  • Serve as a task force to seek advice on and prepare for potential base realignment or closure of military installations in the state; Develop and implement a plan to navigate potential base realignment or closure of military installations studies and proceedings.
 
Members

The Georgia Joint Defense Commission is made of 23 members, including:

  • The commission chairperson shall be the commissioner of the Department of Economic Development or his or her designee.
  • The chairperson of the Senate Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee.
  • The chairperson of the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee.
  • Four members of the House of Representatives and one member from the public at large to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
  • Two members of the Senate, one each from the majority party and the minority party, to be appointed by the President of the Senate.
  • One citizen member from each of the state’s eight military installation regions to be appointed by the Governor.
  • The chancellor of the University System of Georgia or his or her designee.
  • One representative of a defense industry contractor to be appointed by the President of the Senate.
  • One representative of a public or private organization engaged in military or defense research to be appointed by the Governor.
  • The adjutant general of the Georgia National Guard or his or her designee.
  • The commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia or his or her designee.
 
Meetings

Next meeting:
May 15, 2025 | 9 a.m.
Valdosta, Georgia
Specific location: TBD

 
About

The Georgia Joint Defense Commission was first created in 2018 pursuant to Senate Bill 395. It was reformed in 2024 under Senate Bill 398.