SEAL Team 6 Operator David Isom to Become Next Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman

Navy Fleet Master Chief David Isom, a distinguished Navy SEAL and former member of the renowned SEAL Team 6, has been named the U.S. military’s next top enlisted leader, according to an announcement from the Department of Defense on Tuesday.

Isom is set to become the sixth individual to assume the role of Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman (SEAC) of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a position established in 2005. A transition in leadership is on the horizon as he prepares to take over from Marine Sgt. Maj. Troy Black, with the official change of office anticipated for mid-to-late June.

The Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman (SEAC) holds the highest-ranking enlisted position in the military, providing crucial advice to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on issues related to the enlisted force, despite not being a command role.

In a significant development, Isom has been appointed as the senior enlisted leader for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. This selection comes after two rounds of interviews conducted by Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, who serves as the current chairman of the Joint Chiefs.

Isom commenced his military career in 1987, successfully earning his SEAL Trident after completing Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training. Throughout his career, he has served on a global scale with several elite units, including the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), SEAL Team 1, Special Reconnaissance Team 2, and Naval Special Warfare Group 10.

His extensive combat experience includes participation in several significant U.S. military operations, such as Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, as well as missions conducted throughout the Pacific and the Horn of Africa.

Among Isom's military accolades are: four Bronze Star Medals have been awarded, including two distinguished with “V” devices for acts of valor, and two Combat Action Ribbons have been awarded and a prestigious award known as the Presidential Unit Citation

The Pentagon's choice reflects an ongoing dependence on specialized operational skills in response to the changing landscape of global threats.

Isom is set to take over the position from Sgt. Maj. Black, who held the role of Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps before being appointed as SEAC by former Chairman Gen. Mark Milley. Black began his service under Air Force General Charles “CQ” Brown Jr., who was removed from his position by President Trump in February.

Isom's appointment is anticipated to infuse military leadership with a warfighter's perspective, honed through decades of front-line experience.

‍