McCarty appointed S.C. adjutant general

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Maj. Gen. R. Van McCarty has been appointed as South Carolina’s next adjutant general, making him the first person to be appointed to that position. A constitutional amendment in 2014 gave the governor the authority to appoint the adjutant general.

McCarty is currently the deputy adjutant general of the S.C. Military Department under Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston Jr., who is retiring after a 41-year career that has included eight years as adjutant general.

“Gen. McCarty is quite a man and quite a soldier,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in a news release. “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 Gen. Livingston in making this selection. After a thorough search, it is clear that the man to lead our National Guard at this time is Gen. McCarty.”

McCarty is a 1982 graduate of The Citadel with a military career spanning more than 36 years. He currently oversees the administrative activities and daily operations of the S.C. Military Department, which includes the S.C. Army and Air National Guard and the S.C. Emergency Management Division.

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

McCarty’s appointment must be confirmed by the S.C. Senate.