Senate committee advances Rob Stillwell nomination for South Carolina adjutant general

Brig. Gen. Rob Stillwell, the governor’s nominee to serve as South Carolina’s next adjutant general, had his nomination advanced by the South Carolina Senate Family and Veteran Services Committee after a screening and a voice vote.

The committee chair opened the session by noting the agenda included two appointments and called Stillwell forward for screening. During his remarks, Stillwell summarized his 35 years of service in the South Carolina National Guard and combat deployments, and said, “If I am lucky enough to be confirmed as the adjutant general, each and every decision that I will make will be calculated in the best interest of the people of the state of South Carolina.”

The nut graf: Committee members from across the state praised Stillwell’s record and cited recent disaster response and recruitment challenges as priorities for the military department. Senators referenced Stillwell’s on-the-ground leadership during hurricane response and emphasized continued legislative support for recruiting and readiness.

In the hearing, senators asked about fitness for duty, mental health and family supports, and the biggest organizational challenges. Stillwell said recruiting and retention are the top issues facing the state guard, giving current force numbers: “the air guard is at a 3% and the army guard is at a 2.9%,” and he said those metrics require constant focus on recruitment, retention and training. He described family and community supports, exercise and his immediate family as key components of his personal mental-health strategy when responding to crises.

Several members of the committee and guests — including Representative Doug Gillum, Representative Cody Mitchell and other House members who traveled to show support — praised Stillwell’s leadership. The committee publicly thanked outgoing Adjutant General McCarty for his service during the transition remarks.

Formal action: Senator from Kershaw moved to advance Stillwell’s nomination; the motion was seconded by multiple members. The committee vote was taken by voice: members present responded “aye,” with no opposition recorded. The committee also recorded affirmative proxy votes from Senators Fernandez, Clymer and Tedder. The chair said the nomination will be taken to the full South Carolina Senate for a confirmation vote at the appropriate time.

The hearing closed after committee members reiterated their willingness to work with the military department on veterans’ services, recruitment and readiness. Stillwell thanked the committee and his supporters and said he looked forward to answering further questions at the full Senate if scheduled.