President Trump’s Pentagon continues strengthening military leadership as decorated Navy SEAL Master Chief David Isom becomes the first sailor appointed as the senior enlisted adviser to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Key Takeaways
- Navy Master Chief David Isom, a former member of elite SEAL Team Six with extensive combat experience, will be the first sailor to serve as the senior enlisted adviser to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
- Isom brings 37 years of Naval service including deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa, and currently serves as command senior enlisted leader for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
- The appointment aligns with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s focus on addressing issues affecting rank-and-file troops and strengthening military readiness.
- Isom’s decorated career includes four Bronze Star Medals (two with “V” devices for valor), two Combat Action Ribbons, and a Presidential Unit Citation.
- The change of office from Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy Black to Master Chief Isom is tentatively scheduled for mid-to-late June.
Elite Navy SEAL Selected for Pentagon’s Top Enlisted Position
The Pentagon announced a significant leadership transition as Navy Master Chief David Isom has been selected to replace Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy Black as the senior enlisted adviser to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This prestigious position, known as SEAC, represents the highest-ranking enlisted military position in the Department of Defense. The appointment marks a historic milestone as Isom will become the sixth person and the first sailor to hold this influential advisory role, bringing his extensive special operations background to Pentagon leadership discussions during the Trump administration, Stated David Isom
Air Force personally selected Isom after conducting two rounds of interviews with candidates. The change of office is tentatively scheduled for mid-to-late June, when Isom will take over responsibilities that include advocating for enlisted personnel in high-level command discussions and engaging in diplomatic travel and public appearances. Unlike traditional command positions, the SEAC serves as an adviser rather than exercising direct supervision within a chain of command, allowing Isom to represent enlisted perspectives at the highest levels of military decision-making, Stated Gen. Dan Caine
Decorated Combat Veteran with Extensive Special Operations Experience
Master Chief Isom brings an impressive military record spanning nearly four decades of service. Since enlisting in the Navy in 1987, Isom has built a distinguished career that includes service with some of the military’s most elite special operations units. Before attending Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training, he served aboard the USS Mauna Kea and USS Mount Hood. His subsequent career includes deployments to some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones, participating in Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, among other missions.
Isom’s special operations background is particularly notable, having served with the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), commonly known as SEAL Team Six. His leadership experience includes roles as command master chief of Naval Special Warfare Group 10 and Special Reconnaissance Team 2. He also served as the senior enlisted leader for Special Operations Commands for both the Pacific and Northern Command. Currently, Isom serves as the command senior enlisted leader for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, positioning him with valuable expertise regarding America’s most significant strategic theater facing Chinese military expansion.
Representing America’s Enlisted Force at the Highest Levels
In his new role, Master Chief Isom will be responsible for representing the entire enlisted force across all military branches, providing military advice to the chairman and improving communication between enlisted members and military leadership. This position has gained increasing importance in recent years, particularly with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s focus on addressing issues affecting rank-and-file troops. Isom’s appointment comes as the Pentagon continues implementing President Trump’s vision for military readiness and strategic priorities.
Isom’s combat decorations underscore his battlefield experience and leadership under fire. His awards include four Bronze Star Medals, two with “V” devices for valor in combat, two Combat Action Ribbons, and a Presidential Unit Citation. These commendations reflect his direct involvement in high-risk operations throughout his career, giving him firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by combat troops. This perspective will be invaluable as Pentagon leadership addresses military readiness, recruitment challenges, and strategic priorities in an increasingly complex global security environment.
Master Chief Isom’s appointment represents both a personal achievement and a milestone for the Navy, placing a sailor in this prestigious position for the first time. The transition from Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Black, who previously served as the sergeant major of the Marine Corps before being selected as SEAC by former Army Gen. Mark Milley, highlights the continuing evolution of military leadership under President Trump’s administration, with increasing emphasis on combat experience and battlefield leadership in key advisory positions, Stated Maj. Black
