Louisiana’s Thriving Military and Defense Ecosystem
Louisiana has undertaken extensive efforts to strengthen its military installations while also prioritizing the many valuable defense contractors in the state, including an increasingly significant cybersecurity sector. Every region of Louisiana benefits economically from the payroll, spending, contracted work and other activity arising from the military’s presence.
In addition to the direct economic benefits of military installations, the Department of Defense (DoD) contracts directly with Louisiana companies for many goods and services. Notable sectors for contract recipients include:
- Shipbuilding and repairing
- Heavy and civil engineering construction
- Engineering services
- Deep sea freight transportation
- Inland freight transportation
- Petroleum refineries
- Commercial and institutional building construction
- Facilities support services
- Infrastructure construction
- Remediation services
Louisiana Workforce
The military accounts for nearly 4% of Louisiana jobs – about one out of every 26 jobs in the state.
Defense Contractors
Shipbuilding and repairing is the leading defense industry sector in Louisiana, accounting for $971 million in contract work and nearly 40% of all defense contract spending in the state.
Cybersecurity
Serving as the anchor of Louisiana’s Cyber Corridor, Shreveport hosts the Cyber Innovation Center and its National Cyber Research Park (NCRP), providing space for collaborating, conducting leading research and developing state-of-the-art technologies.
Military Installations
Military installations like Barksdale Air Force Base and Fort Polk play vital roles in Louisiana's economy, providing jobs and fostering community involvement. These installations secure both economic benefits and national freedom.
Economic Impact
Louisiana’s military installations impact local economies through payroll and spending.
Barksdale Air Force Base
- Bossier Parish
- 9,000 jobs and over
- $570 million payroll
Fort Johnson
- Vernon Parish
- 15,000 jobs
- $770 million in payroll
Naval Air Station Reserve Base
- Plaquemines Parish
- 1,800 naval jobs
- $170+ million in spending
Marine Forces Reserve
- Orleans Parish
- 1,400 military and civilian personnel
- Annual expenditures over $80 million
Naval Information Warfare Center
- Orleans Parish
- Nearly 600 jobs
- $119 million in spending