Chief, National Guard Bureau

General Craig R. McKinleyGeneral Craig R. McKinley

Gen. Craig R. McKinley is Chief, National Guard Bureau, a joint activity of the Department of Defense, Arlington, Va. As Chief, he is the senior uniformed National Guard officer responsible for formulating, developing and coordinating all policies, programs and plans affecting more than half a million Army and Air National Guard personnel. Appointed by the President, he serves as principal adviser to the Secretary of Defense through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on National Guard matters. He is also the principal adviser to the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Army, and the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force on all National Guard issues. As National Guard Bureau Chief, he serves as the department's official channel of communication with the Governors and Adjutants General.

Full Biography


Top Three Priorities of the National Guard:

  1. The National Guard's number one priority is the security and defense of our homeland, at home and abroad.
  2. The National Guard's second priority is to support the Global War on Terrorism here and abroad.
  3. America insists on a relevant, reliable and ready National Guard that is transformed for the 21st Century.

Official Bio & Photo