A guide to military business in N.C: billions in defense dollars flow to businesses across the state. Here's how several answered the call to arms.

• Position: DEPLOY

With seven major installations employing nearly 160,000 military and civilian personnel and a direct statewide economic impact projected to hit $26.3 billion in 2013, the military is big business in North Carolina. Tar Heel companies scooped up more than $4 billion in military contracts in fiscal 2009, according to the N.C. Military Business Center. And there's more business out there. While North Carolina has the fourth-largest active-duty military population in the country, it ranks 26th in the value of military contracts awarded. The major bases are in the eastern part of the state, but business opportunities stretch from the mountains to the coast. Most contract opportunities are in three areas: manufacturing, services and construction. This guide profiles North...