April 28, 2005
General Richard B. Myers, USAF
Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Pentagon
Washington, D. C. 20318-9000
Dear
General Myers:
A recent news item
appearing in the Navy and Marine Corps Times announced a top enlisted member of
the Armed Services may be chosen to be an enlisted advisor to the Chairman,
Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), the major enlisted
organization to advocate the position of senior enlisted advisors for all the
Armed Services, encourages the Chairman to support the assignment of a most
senior enlisted member to advise the Chairman on matters related to the
enlisted uniformed community.
The appointment of a
senior enlisted advisor as Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps in 1957, proved the
need for someone knowledgeable in the enlisted community to keep the Commandant
of the Marine Corps abreast of what may be affecting its state of readiness and
morale. The accomplishments and professionalism displayed by the Corps’
first three Sergeants Major led to the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard
subsequently assigning their own senior enlisted advisors. Today, it’s
probably an accepted fact that the top chiefs of the services cannot provide an
acceptable enlisted personnel program without consultation with their top
enlisted advisors.
FRA subscribes to the
statement of former Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Alfred McMichael USMC, now the senior enlisted advisor to NATO
Headquarters. McMichael is quoted as saying "the
time is ripe for such a move. The JCS Chairman should have the opportunity as
other senior commanders to keep in touch with the enlisted force through the
eyes and ears of their senior enlisted advisors." The Chairman, McMichael said, needs someone he can turn to and ask,
"What's the word on the street?"
FRA believes the
assignment of a top enlisted advisor will provide the Chairman with the best
information on what is occurring in the enlisted community; how is quality of
life enhancing both readiness and morale, training and welfare, and as
suggested in the news item, "all matters concerning joint and combined
total-force integration."
Establishing the
position of senior enlisted advisor can be only a win, win, win for the
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. FRA urges your active support for this new billet
assignment.
Sincerely,
JOSEPH L. BARNES
National Executive Secretary
JLB:aal