An advisory group is worried about the future of the state's military bases.
In a nine-page report for Gov.-elect Beverly Perdue, a group of retired military officials, state legislators and others argued that Camp Lejeune, Fort Bragg and other bases face some hurdles.
The report notes that all of the bases are now located within cities, causing a potential for friction with local government. On a related note, it cautions that the area around the bases could be developed in ways that are "incompatible" with military uses, limiting their future expansion.
"Only if the (U.S. Department of Defense) continues to perceive its North Carolina facilities as desirable will North Carolina continue to reap the benefits of economic development opportunities," the report says.
Participants were also interested in promoting existing military contracts among existing state businesses, getting community colleges and state universities more involved in military training and research, and replacing National Guard equipment damaged overseas.
A third major area of concern was qualify of life for members of the military.
The group said veterans hospitals need to work harder to meet the needs of female veterans, health care benefits should be available throughout the state and state taxes on military pensions should be lifted.
As previously noted, the report called for a Cabinet secretary on military affairs.
