I, Bill Walker, Governor of the State of Alaska, under the authority of Article III, Sections 1 and 23 of the Alaska Constitution, and in accordance with AS 44.19.145(c), establish the Alaska Civilian-Armed Services Team (ACAST).
Purpose and Duties
The ACAST will facilitate collaboration among military, civilian and State government leaders in an open, public environment, to develop military force structure options and growth in Alaska and Arctic resourcing, training, and readiness, both on and off designated military installations. The ACAST shall provide strategic and actionable recommendations to the Governor in the form of task-specific briefings and reports informed by strategic planning documents, and recommend appropriate strategies for direct, ongoing civil-military collaboration, to:
- Maintain and increase Alaska’s military capacity and capability in both the active component and guard and reserve forces; and
- Acquire future missions, infrastructure, and recurring military exercises in Alaska for military forces based inside and outside of the state.
In presenting these recommendations, ACAST shall reference and update as needed relevant prior planning documents, including those developed by the Alaska Military Force Advocacy and Structure Team (AMFAST). The ACAST will make recommendations that assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats per mission area. The recommendations will be designed to:
- Increase the efficiency and scope of United States Department of Defense economic contributions to Alaska;
- Increase collaborations and foster abiding positive relationships between the military in Alaska and Alaska communities and businesses, including state, local, tribal, and private sector entities;
- Leverage military capabilities in public safety, civil defense, emergency preparedness, and disaster response to the maximum benefit of all Alaskans; and
Coordinate with the Office of the Governor and other agencies to enact ACAST recommendations consistent with applicable law.
ACAST shall provide a written report to the Governor annually, and additional regular reports in person or orally as often as needed, on progress or issues related to its purpose and duties, including:
- Current and developing challenges and opportunities potentially affecting military force capability, facilities, and effectiveness, including consideration of social and economic impacts to Alaska communities;
- The status of prior year ACAST recommendations and work; and
- Recommendations for the upcoming year and ACAST’s proposed action plan for achieving them.
Governance and Composition
ACAST shall work at the direction and discretion of the Governor. Members, except for the Adjutant General or a designee of the Adjutant General, serve three-year staggered terms and serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
ACAST shall consist of the following members:
- Three public members with extensive military experience or expertise, especially in Alaska and/or the circumpolar north, one each with experience in the Army, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard of the United States. In making appointments, an effort will be made to include a candidate with extensive reserve force experience;
- Two public members with private-sector business expertise; these two members must be from, live in, or have connections to different geographic regions of the state (Southeast, Southcentral, Southwest, Interior, and Northern Alaska). Further, in making appointments, an effort will be made to include candidates who have demonstrated success in civil-military collaboration;
- Two public members with municipal or tribal government experience, preferably from a community adjacent to a military installation or homeport of U.S. Coast Guard vessels or facilities; these two members must be from, live in, or have connections to different geographic regions of the state (Southeast, Southcentral, Southwest, Interior, and Northern Alaska);
- One public member with statewide business or economic development experience; and
- The Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs (DMVA) or a designee.
One of the public members with military experience (chosen by the Governor) and the public member with statewide business or economic development experience shall serve as co-chairs of the ACAST.
The ACAST must solicit direct input from:
- Senior Military Officials, especially those who regularly advise the Governor;
- Those interested in increasing military operations in Alaska, including those concerned about impacts of military exercises and training in Alaska; and
- Current and past mayors and tribal leaders, current and past presidents of Alaska chambers of commerce and presidents of Alaska economic development corporations; especially those from communities adjacent to military installations or homeports of U.S. Coast Guard vessels or facilities.
Transition
Initial appointments shall be made within 45 days of the effective date of this order and shall consist of one-year terms for one of the members with private-sector business experience and one of the members with local or tribal government experience; two-year terms for the other member with private-sector business experience, the other member with local or tribal government experience, and one of the members with extensive military experience or expertise; and three-year terms for the other two members with extensive military experience or expertise, and the member with statewide business or economic development expertise.
Administrative Support
The Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) shall provide administrative support to ACAST. DMVA shall consult with other State agencies and federal agencies as appropriate to obtain information on topics within their expertise and work with ACAST to determine and assign project and work assignments to other State agencies through the Office of the Governor.
General Provisions
The ACAST shall meet at least quarterly; the co-chairs may call additional meetings. One meeting per year will be in person, provided sufficient funds are available; otherwise, meetings will convene via teleconference.
ACAST members do not receive compensation as members of the team. Members of ACAST are entitled to per diem and travel expenses in the same manner permitted for members of State boards and commissions.
ACAST may also convene public meetings to present information and receive comments.
ACAST will use teleconferencing and other electronic means, to the extent practicable, in order to gain the widest public participation at minimum cost.
Meetings of ACAST shall be conducted in accordance with AS 44.62.310 and 44.62.312 (open meetings of governmental bodies).
Records of ACAST are subject to inspection and copying as public records under AS 40.25.110 – 40.25.220.
Sunset Report
On or before January 1, 2023, the ACAST will submit a sunset report to the Governor outlining the efficacy of the ACAST and make a recommendation whether the operations of the ACAST should continue, be disbanded, or continue with modifications. If the Governor does not extend the ACAST, the ACAST shall terminate on June 30, 2024.
Administrative Order 276 is revoked.
This Order takes effect immediately.
DATED at Juneau, Alaska, this 6 day of December, 2017.
/s/Bill Walker
Governor
