Governor Henry McMaster announced that Major General R. Van McCarty will be South Carolina’s next Adjutant General. McCarty will become the first Adjutant General appointed by a governor since the constitutional amendment giving him that authority was approved by South Carolina voters in 2014.

To watch a video of the announcement, click here.

McCarty currently serves as the Deputy Adjutant General of the South Carolina Military Department under Major General Robert E. Livingston Jr., who will retire from military service after a distinguished career that has spanned 41 years, including 8 years as the state’s Adjutant General.

“General Livingston has served for eight years with distinction as our elected adjutant general, performing admirably in the hurricanes, storms, and floods that we’ve experienced,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “He is a personification of the strong military tradition that we have in our state stretching back all the way to the American Revolution.”

“I’m proud of our organization, I’m proud of the governor’s selection for the new adjutant, and look forward to great things,” said Livingston. “I want to say thank you to our families, to the men and women of the South Carolina National Guard, and to all of Team South Carolina led by our great governor, Governor McMaster.”

A 1982 graduate of The Citadel, McCarty’s military career spans more than 36 years. In his current capacity, he oversees the administrative activities and daily operations of the South Carolina Military Department, which encompasses the South Carolina Army and Air National Guard, the Emergency Management Division, the State Guard, and the Youth ChalleNGe Academy.

“General McCarty is quite a man and quite a soldier,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “He’s been overseas in combat. He’s served our country well. He serves our state well. I appreciate deeply the help and guidance I received from General Livingston in making this selection. After a thorough search, it is clear that the man to lead our National Guard at this time is General McCarty.”

“I am humbled, pleased, and excited about this opportunity to serve as the Adjutant General of the great state of South Carolina,” said McCarty. “I enjoy soldiering. I enjoy being with the soldiers, the airmen, and all of the employees of the South Carolina Military Department whose work allows us every day to do the great things we do for this state and this nation.”

Previously, McCarty commanded units at every echelon, from Battery to Brigade. His previous command assignments include: Battery Commander, Alpha Battery, 4th BN 178th FA, Battalion Commander, 1st BN 178th FA (Operation Iraqi Freedom); Regional Police Advisory Commander (Operation Enduring Freedom), 218th Enhanced Separate Brigade; Commander, 59th Troop Command; and Assistant Adjutant Army.

The governor’s appointment of McCarty is subject to Senate approval and, in accordance with the constitutional amendment passed in 2014, Livingston will continue serving as Adjutant General until McCarty’s confirmation process is completed.