Brigadier General (BG) (Retired) James E. Shane, Jr.(*)
From Foresight, Vol. 6, No. 1
published 1999
Michael T. Childress, Executive Director of the Kentucky Long-Term Policy Research Center, interviewed Brigadier General (BG) (Retired) Jim Shane, Executive Director of the Commission on Military Affairs. The following article is a record of that dialogue. Mr. Childress’ questions are in bold print followed by General Shane’s answers.
What is the Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs and why was it created?
The Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs was established by the General Assembly in 1996 and is governed by KRS 154-12.203. It is one of Governor Patton’s initiatives to promote economic opportunities for the Commonwealth. The Commission’s membership includes the Governor, Cabinet Secretaries, Attorney General, the Adjutant General (TAG), Director of the Long-Term Policy Research Center, Kentucky’s Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army, five at-large members representing local communities and installations, and commanders of Kentucky’s military installations or organizations with major military missions in the Commonwealth. Simply stated, the Commission was created to promote a strong national defense while protecting Kentucky’s military and small businesses from the threat of further Department of Defense (DOD) downsizing.
What is the role of the Commission within State Government?
The Commission’s primary role is to advise the Governor, General Assembly, and the Kentucky congressional delegation on significant military issues affecting the Commonwealth. Governor Patton realizes the importance of Kentucky’s military and has been proactive in establishing a process where state government plays a more viable role concerning the military. The Commission addresses matters of military significance which impact the economic well-being of the Commonwealth. Please keep in mind, there are three major military advisors to the Governor—the TAG who focuses on the Kentucky National Guard; recently appointed, Commissioner, Veteran’s Affairs, who represents our 360,000 veterans and advises the Governor on Veteran’s issues; and the Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs, which works closely with the TAG and Veteran’s Affairs to promote and protect military interests at the state and federal level. While the Commission is actively involved in the day to day military activities at installations throughout the Commonwealth, it also works closely with the Economic Development Cabinet in providing a strategic focus which promotes- economic opportunity in the state. Our goal is recognition for the Commonwealth of Kentucky as a leader in supporting a strong national defense while protecting and preserving our current force structure. To do this, we must be visionary and proactive at the state and federal level, and position ourselves to benefit from the ever-changing National Defense Structure.
How does the Governor assist the Commission?
Governor Patton has been very supportive of the Commission. In the year that I have been the Executive Director he has enacted more legislation for the military than the four previous Governors. When the President used the line-item veto to cut military funding to the state, the Governor wrote a letter to the President clearly expressing his concern for a strong national defense and specifically asked for reinstatement of the Kentucky projects. As you know, the funding was reinstated. Additionally, he has supported small businesses that depend on defense contracts. On many occasions he has written the civilian and military leadership in the defense department to express his concerns for Kentucky’s small businesses that have been affected by changing defense policies. There is no question in my mind that Governor Patton shares our vision and is an advocate for strong a national defense. Kentucky’s military is fortunate in this regard.
Since the majority of congressional leadership is Republican, has this posed any significant challenge to you or your staff in promoting the Governor’s military initiatives?
I can only speak from my own experience. First, the Governor made it very clear that the Commission must act in a bipartisan manner. He was complimentary of Kentucky’s congressional leadership and their support of the military. I believe this commission and its focus is an extension of Governor Patton’s overarching vision for the Commonwealth. I have found that in every instance, both Democrats and Republicans have supported our requests and the issues that promote our military interests. When it comes to matters of importance to Kentucky and its citizens, politics take a backseat to what is best for Kentucky. Here’s a case in point: Senators Ford and McConnell cosponsored a bill to find an alternative to advance scientific technology to incineration at Blue Grass Army Depot. Why? Because it was the right thing to do for the folks in eastern Kentucky. Our congressional leadership, albeit primarily Republican, has fully endorsed the Commission’s strategies. I do not see this changing significantly—Representatives Rogers and Northup along with Senators McConnell and Bunning, have influenced program funding for our projects. In her newly appointed position to the VA/HUD Sub-Committee, Congresswoman Northrup will work to advance those issues concerning our veterans. Congressmen Whitfield and Lewis have been very active in promoting Fort Campbell and Fort Knox. I expect the trend to continue—it’s refreshing to see that all—Governor, General Assembly, and the congressional delegation—are on the same sheet of music, so to speak, when it comes to the overall well-being of Kentucky’s military.
I understand University of Louisville economics professor, Dr. Paul Coomes, did an economic impact study, “The Economic Importance of Military Activity in Kentucky.” Tell me about his findings.
Dr. Coomes confirmed what I have personally believed all along. His three-month investigation revealed strong evidence that the military is big business in Kentucky. The military pumps about $3 billion annually into the Commonwealth’s economy. Coomes also uncovered the fact that all of Kentucky’s 120 counties have a link, in one way or another, to the military. Some counties are home to a military installation; others have large retiree populations, and there are businesses in a number of counties that perform government contract work.
What was the most surprising finding in the Coomes study?
Probably that the state receives an average share of defense dollars, but gets a mere 0.02 percent of the Defense Department’s total spending for research and development projects. Most of the money is going to locations on the east and west coasts.
What can be done to protect the long-term viability of Kentucky’s military interests?
First of all, we are in the process of initiating a long-range strategic plan which is a proactive step in this direction. It’s a concerted effort to successfully position Kentucky to be a recognized leader in support of a strong national defense. We feel with the correct approach and planning we can take advantage of many business opportunities resulting from those emerging changes in the defense structure. Higher education officials are also taking a look at getting involved with our programs, since upgrading research is a goal of the state’s universities. For instance, the University of Kentucky’s Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce will receive grant money from the Commission to provide research in a number of areas. The other initiatives are fairly practical: a) encourage retirees to remain in Kentucky, b) attract new missions to military installations while keeping up military investments in these installations, and c) assist small businesses to be more competitive for DOD contracts. We see our mission overlapping with the National Guard as well as the Commission on Veteran’s Affairs.
You mentioned grant money. Are you saying the Commission on Military Affairs has a grant program? And, if so, who can apply?
Yes, the Commission is sponsoring a grant program and we are in the final stages of preparing the procedures. We will market the program throughout the state and we anticipate a positive response. Qualified applicants must be interested in promoting or enhancing military relations, economic development in the context we have already discussed, public infrastructure improvements near military installations, and any other community interface or advocacy projects that meet our requirements. Our objective is to promote community or local government partnership in preserving our military charter in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
How can the military presence in Kentucky create economic opportunities for Kentucky businesses?
The Commission works closely with the Economic Development Cabinet in helping to create an entrepreneurial environment for small businesses to compete for government contracts. We are also in close contact with our Kentucky Delegation in Washington to keep our state’s interests at the forefront. We push for a solution to the fund cuts to our installations, so we can preserve those civilian jobs already in place. Additionally, we must realize the value and economic potential of military business. Positioning Kentucky to benefit from changes in Defense business practices is important to the economic base of the Commonwealth. I personally feel we must resource an effort and focus our attention on building a system that creates opportunities for small business in Kentucky to thrive.
In conclusion, what impression would you like to leave with the general public concerning the military and their role in the Commonwealth?
First, I believe the military is a great organization. I wore the uniform for 28 years and served at every grade—Private to General—and can personally tell you that the young men and women are smart, disciplined, and committed to serving their Nation. It is an honorable profession. Second, in my opinion, Kentucky is fortunate. We enjoy a large presence of the greatest military in the world and we also have the political leadership, both state and federal, which is committed to ushering Kentucky into the 21st century as a leader on defense issues. Kentucky is on the cutting edge in areas of research and development and education and has the potential to become a model for the rest of the country. We can be proud of that. I know I am.
* BG (Retired) James E. Shane, Jr. is Executive Director of the Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs. Appointed by the Governor, he serves as CEO and Administrative Officer, responsible for advising the Governor, General Assembly, and Kentucky Delegation on significant military issues impacting Kentucky. He is responsible for developing Kentucky's Long Range Strategic Plan for the military. BG Shane retired after 28 years of service in the Army. He served in high level staff assignments in the Pentagon as well as Command assignments throughout his career. He was the Principal Advisor to the Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff Army on Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) actions in 1995. He has a B.A. degree in Chemistry from the University of Louisville and a M.A. degree in Personnel Management/ Administration from Central Michigan University. He attended the National War College and the Senior Officials National Security Program at Harvard University. BG Shane is a native of Kentucky and resides in Frankfort with his wife, Georgene. Return to text.