An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Jan. 29, 2007

Lieutenant General H Steven Blum Extended as Chief, National Guard Bureau

By National Guard Bureau

The National Guard Bureau Chief, Lieutenant General H Steven Blum was notified January 26 that the United States Senate confirmed his nomination for a two-year extension in his current position. In December 2006, he was nominated for this extension by President Bush. LTG Blum will have served as the chief for four years in April 2007.

During his tenure, LTG Blum has presided over the transformation of the National Guard from a strategic reserve to an operational force. In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, he rebalanced the National Guard to ensure the nation's governors would have at least one-half of their National Guard available at all times to mitigate the effects of potential catastrophic events. During Hurricane Katrina, he directed the largest military response to a national disaster in American history, sending more than 50,000 guardsmen from every state and territory to relieve the badly stricken Gulf states. In 2006, Blum answered the President's and four southwestern governors' call to send up to 6,000 troops to support the Customs and Border Patrol mission along the border. The largest mobilization of the Guard since WWII also occurred during LTG Blum's first four years as the National Guard Bureau Chief.

He is the senior uniformed National Guard officer responsible for formulating, developing and coordinating all policies, programs and plans affecting more than half a million Army and Air National Guard personnel. Appointed by the President, he serves as the principal adviser to the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Army, and the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force on all National Guard issues. As NGB Chief, he serves as the Army's and Air Force's official channel of communication with the Governors and Adjutants General. Prior to his current assignment, General Blum served as Chief of Staff, United States Northern Command.

 

 

Related Articles
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Anthony Gonzalez, fire protection craftsman assigned to the 156th Civil Engineer Squadron, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, extinguishes a fire during a Deployment for Training (DFT) at Aviano Air Base, Italy, June 25, 2025. During the DFT, the 156th CES developed their skill proficiency in a new area of responsibility while supporting real-world projects that support the U.S. European Command operations.
Puerto Rico Air Guard Conducts Deployment for Training at Aviano
By Senior Airman Victoria Jewett, | July 7, 2025
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy — U.S. Airmen with the Puerto Rico Air National Guard 156th Civil Engineer Squadron conducted a Deployment for Training June 16-27 in Italy to develop their skills proficiency within the U.S. European...

Airmen from the 168th Wing Medical Group, along with their counterparts from other Air National Guard units, conduct radiation monitoring during field training at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, June 2025. The training enhances the unit’s ability to detect and respond to radiological threats in deployed or contingency environments.
Alaska Air Guard 168th Medical Group Trains for High-Stakes Missions
By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey, | July 7, 2025
ALPENA COMBAT READINESS TRAINING CENTER, Mich. — The Alaska Air National Guard 168th Wing Medical Group continues to strengthen its operational edge, proving lethality in today’s battlespace isn’t just about combat power -...

Civic leaders and newly commissioned U.S. Air Force pilot trainees gather with the 168th Wing KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew following an aerial refueling mission during Red Flag-Alaska 25-2, June 24, 2025. The event provided participants with a unique opportunity to witness the complex coordination and precision required for refueling U.S. and allied aircraft in flight. This experience highlighted the critical role the 168th Wing plays in sustaining readiness and strengthening defense capabilities throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Civic Leaders Fly With Alaska Air Guard During Red Flag Alaska 25-2
By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey, | July 3, 2025
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – The Alaska Air National Guard’s 168th Wing hosted a civic leader flight June 24 that offered local leaders an opportunity to view an aerial refueling mission over the Joint Pacific Alaska...