THE FUTURE OF THE U.S. CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF
Soon, there will be a new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as Gen. Charles Brown is being nominated for the position. This came as no surprise and is widely supported by both parties and throughout military circles. The position being held by an Air Force General, as the importance of aerial combat comes into focus, seems like the right step to take now more than ever. Related read: Now Hiring: Join the K9s for Warriors Staff!
Who is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff?
As of this writing, the current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is General Mark Milley, however, this is officially set to change. On May 25, 2023, President Joe Biden formally nominated Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles "C.Q." Brown to take over the position after Gen. Milley steps down as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in September 2023. Suggested read: Explore the Army’s New Electric Joint Light Tactical Vehicle
Gen. Charles Brown will Take Over for Gen. Mark Milley in 2023
Gen. Charles Brown was nominated by President Biden to be the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and is now awaiting confirmation. If confirmed, he will be the first Air Force General to hold the position, which is of significant importance not only for the sake of history but for the current state of world affairs. The current Air Force Chief of Staff has a lot of experience in the Pacific region and his expertise will help the U.S. in its efforts against China. A vital consideration moving forward considering the rising tensions in the area. Gen. Brown will also be the first Black service member in three decades to lead as the Joint Chairman Chief of Staff. President Biden prioritizes diversity in his administration and has appointed Lloyd Austin as the first Black Secretary of Defense. Gen. Colin Powell was the last Black officer to serve as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs from 1989 to 1993. Looking to add to the list of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., confirmed as Air Force chief of staff in 2020, became the first Black officer to lead the Air Force and any military branch. Brown has openly addressed issues of race and inequality, sparking discussions about representation and diversity in the military. There has been a lot of speculation around the announcement of Gen. Brown because of his experience and knowledge. While announcing his nomination, President Biden highlighted Brown's Texas roots, his father's military service, and his reputation for smoking a "mean brisket." He also mentioned Brown's call sign, "Swamp Thing," referencing a past incident where he had to eject from a burning fighter jet and parachute into the Florida Everglades. Brown's confirmation in the Senate may face delays, particularly due to the hold placed by Sen. Tommy Tuberville on numerous military nominees.
What is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff?
The Chairman acts as the main military adviser to the President, Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council. All members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff serve as military advisers and can offer their advice and opinions to the President and other authorities through the Chairman. Over time, the executive authority of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has changed. Initially acting as executive agents in World War II, their role shifted to planners and advisers under the National Security Act of 1947. The Key West Agreement in 1948 granted limited executive agent responsibilities, but this authority was abolished in 1953. Currently, the Joint Chiefs of Staff do not possess the executive authority to command combatant forces, as defined by the Goldwater-Nichols DOD Reorganization Act of 1986. But it’s clear that the expertise and authority of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff provide profound insight into the direction our nation should take on matters of national security. Read next: Executive Order 12985: Instituting the Armed Forces Service Medal