SOUTH CAROLINA–Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston Jr., South Carolina Adjutant General, is campaigning for reelection. He is opposed by former army officer and current airline pilot, William Breazeale.
Since 2010, commanding over 10,000 military staff members, Livingston has held the responsibility of overseeing the state Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Emergency Management Division, Youth Challenge and Americorps.
Livingston appeared on The Bryan Crabtree Show to discuss his campaign, opponent, what the state is doing regarding future elections for State Adjutant General and issues that face returning combat veterans.
Regarding his opponent, Livingston believes Breazeale may be out of his depth.
“You have someone attempting to run an agency that is so critical to our national defense and to the safety of the people South Carolina that would not be able to make proper judgments based on experience,” Livingston commented. “He would have to listen to staffs. And we all know staffs can take you down the wrong road. “
The two star major general then commented on his own background and experience.
“I was a senior commander in Afghanistan. I commanded over 9,000 people from 18 different countries. I understand how to deal with combat situations at a senior level,” said Livingston. “When my soldiers and airmen come back, and we have issues they have to deal with, I can create systems to help them deal with those issues.”
On the issue of his opponent’s lower military rank, he believes it could create a credibility issue in Washington.
“He would have to wear a suit to Washington,” Livingston said. “Quite frankly, if you are not a general and you are dealing with the Pentagon, or the secretary of defense, or congress, they do not take you serious unless you have that actual rank of major general.”
South Carolina is the only state in the United States that elects an adjutant general rather than appointing one by the state governor. Livingston appears to optimistic about new legislation that could make the position chosen by appointment, rather than a state election, but indicates precautions have to be taken.
“It would require us to have very strict qualifications, and that is so important because if we do not have those qualifications we can end up with someone who is unqualified that would then again be a black mark on our state,” said Livingston.
Livingston said he is appreciative of the support he has received from Gov. Nikki Haley.
“She has provided our campaign with numerous quotes about her preference and the great job that my wife Barb and I are doing with our soldiers, airmen, their families and with the people of South Carolina,” he said.
Livingston spoke about his continuing dedication to the state mission and what he plans to continue to do for the state of South Carolina.
“The first thing I have to do is make sure that I do my mission, and I think we are doing that very well. Second thing we got to do is make sure we keep ready units because that is what we swear to do,” he said.
He then remarked on his personal mission.
“The biggest issue, or the biggest concern, I have is helping my soldiers, airmen and families care for themselves,” said Livingston. “I have to keep my priorities straight, my number one priority is doing the mission for the people of South Carolina and being the combat reserve for the nation. If we fail in that, we fail in everything, but if we fail our soldiers and airmen—if they come back out of combat and commit suicide—then we have failed greatly.”
The general then went onto to discuss the gravity of the issue of suicide committed by returning combat veterans and what South Carolina has done to fix this problem.
“If you look at National Guard nationally, last year was a record year for suicides. If you look at the military in general, suicides continue to rise,” said Livingston. “Here in the South Carolina National Guard, we have taken our suicides, from about four years ago, from being double civilian average to now less than 40% of civilian average. So far this year, we’ve had zero, and we hope to keep it that way. That does not occur overnight. And there are a lot of systems out there that made this happen.”
He discussed the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in returning soldiers and what South Carolina is doing to treat it.
“As I came into office, about three quarters of our suicides were related to that [PTSD], the other quarter was societal issues. We’ve been able to get a hold of that a good bit, but it is always an evolving thing,” said Livingston. “When a group comes back the first thing we do is takes those who have had a traumatic experience and take them through a very unique seminar—it actually came out of South Carolina law enforce and highway patrol dealing with shootings—and we are able to de-stress them along with their families. “
He then restated his commitment to his soldiers, airmen and their families.
“So in addition to having what is measured as the number one National Guard in the nation by deploy ability, by number of units able to deploy, and having our units come back highly decorated, we are also taking care of our people. To me that is that added piece that is so critical,” said Livingston.
In addition to suicide and PTSD, returning troops also face the possibility of unemployment. The general believes his administration has significantly helped alleviate these problems.
“Our unemployment rate among our traditional guardsmen has gone from 16% down to 3.4%,” said Livingston.
Livingston believes a new state program Operation Palmetto Employment, a website that links employers and veterans, has been an integral component to lowering unemployment.
“Our system has been so successful we have got 4,500 employers that are willing to employ veterans. We have got about 500 jobs we haven’t filled, so through the governor starting last February, we have expanded this program to all veterans,” said Livingston. “This is truly taking an exceptional person, who serves their country, taking them to an employer, who is looking for exceptional person, and matching the two.”
To listen to the Livingston’s audio interview, click here.
The Bryan Crabtree Show airs from 8-10 a.m. on WQSC 1340 and 950 AM. You can visit the show’s website by clicking here. You can also catch Rocky D on the same airwaves from 3-6 p.m.
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