Thursday, February 01, 2007

Guard chief confirmed for additional two years

The National Guard Bureau Chief, Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum, was notified that the United States Senate confirmed his nomination for a two-year extension in his current position.

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. In December 2006, he was nominated for this extension by President Bush. Blum will have served as the chief for four years in April 2007.

During his tenure, Blum has presided over the transformation of the National Guard from a strategic reserve to an operational force. In the aftermath of the Sept. 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. 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.
For more information, contact Mark Allen, National Guard Bureau Public Affairs, at (703) 607 5034.