Army Lt. Gen. Jonathan M. Stubbs, the acting chief of the National Guard Bureau, addressed the 53rd annual conference of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States today, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining stability in the National Guard during the ongoing transition period. Stubbs, who stepped into the acting role on August 5 following the retirement of former Chief Army Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, assured the attendees that his focus remains on continuity rather than introducing new initiatives.
Speaking remotely to the conference held in Detroit, Stubbs likened his position to that of a supporter of Olympic athletes, emphasizing his role as a steady hand during a time of change. “I do not intend to make waves or push a new agenda in this role. We will maintain our focus on people, readiness, modernization, and reform,” Stubbs told the enlisted members.
Stubbs highlighted the importance of stability and continuity, especially in times of uncertainty and transition. He reassured the audience that senior National Guard leaders are actively listening to the concerns of the enlisted ranks. “Since I’ve been in this role, I can tell you your leadership hears you,” Stubbs said, acknowledging the fears, frustrations, and concerns voiced by the servicemembers and their families.
Reiterating the Guard’s commitment to its core priorities, Stubbs emphasized the ongoing efforts to maintain readiness, modernization, and necessary reforms. He encouraged continued communication and openness to change, stating, “Keep those lines of communication open, and be open to the possibility of change.”
Stubbs also underscored the National Guard’s readiness to face any challenges, citing recent accomplishments such as the humanitarian response to the COVID-19 pandemic, flood relief efforts in Kentucky in 2022, and the rescue of stranded campers during California’s Creek Fire in 2020. “We’re the National Guard. This is what we’re built for,” he affirmed, stressing the Guard’s resilience and dedication to the nation.
In closing, Stubbs expressed his pride in serving as the acting chief and his deep commitment to the National Guard. “The state of our world may be dangerous and dynamic, but the state of our Guard is strong,” he declared. “And you make it so.”
Stubbs, who was confirmed as director of the Army National Guard by the Senate in late July, took on the additional role of acting chief following Hokanson’s retirement, and he remains dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition until a permanent successor is appointed.–News Desk