A highly decorated Navy SEAL Team Six veteran with combat experience spanning multiple conflicts will now serve as the top enlisted adviser to America’s military leadership.
Key Takeaways
- Navy Master Chief David Isom has been appointed as the senior enlisted adviser to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, becoming the first sailor to hold this prestigious position.
- Isom brings extensive special operations experience, including service with SEAL Team Six and deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa.
- The appointment reflects President Trump’s ongoing reorganization of military leadership since taking office.
- Isom will represent enlisted personnel interests at the highest levels of the Pentagon, working closely with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- The position involves significant influence on military policy affecting rank-and-file troops.
Navy SEAL Takes Top Enlisted Advisory Role
The Pentagon has announced a significant leadership change with Navy Master Chief David Isom appointed as the senior enlisted adviser to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Isom will replace Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy Black in this critical advisory position. The appointment marks a historic moment as Isom becomes the first sailor and sixth person overall to hold this prestigious role. Currently serving as the command senior enlisted leader for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Isom brings extensive experience from special operations to the Pentagon’s highest advisory levels.
The selection came after two rounds of interviews conducted by Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, who personally chose Isom for the position. The change of office is tentatively scheduled for mid-to-late June, continuing the leadership transitions that have characterized President Trump’s restructuring of military command. In this role, Isom will not have direct supervisory authority but will serve as a crucial advisor to the chairman on matters affecting enlisted personnel across all military branches, Stated Gen. Dan Caine
Distinguished Military Career
Master Chief Isom’s military service spans nearly four decades, beginning with his enlistment in the Navy in 1987. Before joining the elite special forces, he served aboard the USS Mauna Kea and USS Mount Hood. His career trajectory changed dramatically after completing the grueling Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training, leading to assignments with numerous high-profile units. These include the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (SEAL Team Six), Naval Special Warfare Group 10, Special Reconnaissance Team 2, and SEAL Team 1.
Isom’s combat deployments represent a comprehensive record of America’s military engagements over the past three decades. He has participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, as well as Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Additionally, his service includes deployments to the Horn of Africa. This extensive battlefield experience has earned him numerous decorations, including four Bronze Star Medals with two carrying “V” devices for valor, two Combat Action Ribbons, and a Presidential Unit Citation.
Strategic Influence on Military Policy
As senior enlisted adviser, Isom will have significant influence on Pentagon policy, particularly given Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s well-known focus on issues affecting rank-and-file troops. The position involves representing the enlisted force at the highest levels of military leadership, providing direct military advice, and improving communication between enlisted members and Pentagon leadership. Isom will be expected to travel extensively, engaging with military families and participating in public-facing events as the voice of enlisted personnel, Stated David Isom
Before his current assignment with Indo-Pacific Command, Isom served as the senior enlisted leader for Special Operations Commands for both the Pacific and Northern Command. His leadership experience also includes roles as command master chief of Naval Special Warfare Group 10 and Special Reconnaissance Team 2. This extensive background in elite special operations units and command positions has prepared him for the unique challenges of representing enlisted personnel interests at the Pentagon’s highest levels during a time of strategic realignment in America’s military priorities.
