Presenter: Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen July 16, 2008
SEC. GATES: Good afternoon.
Today I'm pleased to announce that I have recommended to the president that he nominate Lieutenant General Craig McKinley, currently director of the Air National Guard, to be the new chief of the National Guard Bureau. In keeping with the recommendations of the Commission on the Guard and Reserves and the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, General McKinley will be nominated for a fourth star and rank of full general; a first for a National Guard officer.
General McKinley is well-qualified for this important and historic new assignment. He has held command positions at every level of the Air Force during his 34 years of military service. As director of the Air National Guard, General McKinley has been responsible for overseeing all policies, plans and programs affecting more than 104,000 Guard members in more than 88 flying units and 200 geographically separated units throughout the United States and its territories. Prior to assuming his current position, General McKinley served as assistant chief of staff for Plans and Programs at Air Force Headquarters.
He will replace Lieutenant General Steve Blum, who I am recommending that the president nominate to become the first Guard deputy commander of Northern Command, also a historic first. For more than five years, General Blum has been a dynamic and effective leader of America's National Guard community during a time of wrenching change for our citizen soldiers. As chief, he has been a tireless advocate for America's Guardsmen and women, to see that they receive the right training, equipment and support for the demanding range of missions the Guard has taken on since September 11th and will face in the years to come.
The elevation of the National Guard chief to four stars recognizes the enhanced importance of the Guard to America's overall national defense. In recent years, facilitated by General Blum's strong leadership, the National Guard has transformed from an often neglected strategic reserve to a force that is an indispensable component of the operational military. The elevation of this position also recognizes the vital role the chief will have as a bridge between the state and federal components of our government and the active and Reserve components of our military.
If confirmed, the elevation of General Blum to be the deputy commander of Northern Command is in keeping with the recommendations of the Punaro commission and the congressional requirement that either the commander or deputy commander of NORTHCOM be a Guard officer. It reflects the critical role the Guard plays in our homeland defense and the unique experience and expertise a Guard officer of General Blum's caliber will bring to this position.
In closing, I'd like to thank the Guardsmen and women of this country for all they do to protect their communities and this country.