The support ecosystem of a military base is the network of organizations that support the warfighters and their families’ livelihood, training, and deployment. “Ecosystem” is a term derived from biology and often used by the military. For example, the term ecosystem has been applied to technology innovation support [1] and the environmental setting [2] of the military base. For this report, the functions of the military base support ecosystem are to

• Provide a safe and attractive live/work/play envirnoment.
• Provide community-based solutions to base problems
• Support the base mission
• Promote reciprocal engagement
• Financially support the base
• Minimize encroachment
• Provide continuity

[1] Abremski, D., & Roben, P. (2021). UC San Diego, the military, and building a unique, diversified economic growth ecosystem. Journal of Commercial Biotechnology, 26(1).

[2] Janssen, K., & Wit, P. (2011). The Ecosystem Approach in military operations: no security without ecological security, no stability without sustainability. Forestry Studies, 54(1), 48-53.

Based on interviews with thriving defense communities, various organization models exist for success. The more established DCOs are standalone organizations, but in others, DCOs functions are part of another complementary organization. The key is to have a champion individual or organization trusted and connected to the military. They need to be able to operate inside and outside of the fence.

The defense community efforts can be a public, private, or public-private partnership. They can be part of other complimentary organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, local government, or standalone organizations. Typically, once the DCOs mature, the best practice is to form an independent organization to focus on supporting the base within the base support ecosystem. The boards of these DCOs should include key local government, business, and military leaders from the elements of the ecosystem.

Standalone DCOs use various legal organizational structures, but 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) are typical types of nonprofit organizations. The goal of most 501(c)(3) organizations is charitable, while 501(c)(6) organizations are mainly business or membership nonprofits.

501(c)(3) Organizations

• Donations are Tax-Deductible: Contributions made to 501(c)(3) organizations are typically tax-deductible for the donor.
• Limited Political Activities: 501(c)(3) organizations are subject to strict limitations on engaging in political activities, including lobbying and endorsements of political candidates.

501(c)(6) Organizations

• Limited Deductibility: Membership dues and similar payments to 501(c)(6) organizations are not typically tax-deductible for the payer.
• Lobbying Allowed: 501(c)(6) organizations have more flexibility in lobbying activities to promote the common business interests of their members.

Examples of DCOs:

• As a 501(c)(6) organization, the 21st Century Partnership promotes its members’ common business interests and economic development in the Robin AFB region.
• The Alliance for Fort Eisenhower, formerly CSRA Alliance for Fort Gordon, Inc., was set up as a 501(c)(3) to orchestrate community support for the U.S. Army Signal Center and Fort Gordon, Georgia.
• The Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce 501(c)(6) organization has a Military Affairs Committee to support Vance AFB.
• The City of Everett Washington Director of Economic Development supports Naval Station Everett.

The military base leadership is focused on the warfighting mission, rarely has civilian community or economic development experience, and is only at the base for a few years. At some bases DoD civilians act as a deputy and provide continuity. In the U.S. military, particularly in the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, base commanders are typically assigned a tour of duty that lasts two to three years. Thus, it is crucial for the DCOs to provide the continuity, expertise, and connections that the military leadership lacks.

The financial sustainability of a DCO is crucial to maintaining the needed continuity. Depending on their organizational arrangement, they receive operational funding from the local government, members, and/or capital campaigns. This requires ensuring that funders are aware of the economic importance of the base and the need for an organization to champion the team of teams needed to support the military base support ecosystem.

Keys to Success:

• Have a trusted community champion.
• Have organizational stability.

The following five modules will explore the components of the military base ecosystem. Module 3 will start in the middle of the ecosystem diagram and look at the inside-the-fence functions of successful defense community development. Specifically, the following will be explored:

• The need to understand the base mission.
• The military hierarchy.
• Base community affairs structure.