David Isom
David L. Isom | |
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![]() Official portrait, 2025 | |
Allegiance | United States |
Branch | United States Navy |
Years of service | 1987–present |
Rank | Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman |
Battles / wars | Gulf War Iraq War War in Afghanistan |
Awards | Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal (4) with Combat Distinguishing Device (2) Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2) |

David L. Isom is a United States Navy sailor serving as the 6th Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman (SEAC) of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.[1][2] He previously served as Command Senior Enlisted Leader for United States Indo-Pacific Command. In his capacity as SEAC, Isom is the most senior enlisted member and non-commissioned officer in the United States Armed Forces.
Military career
[edit]Isom enlisted in the United States Navy in 1987 and completed recruit training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes. He was first assigned to the USS Mauna Kea (AE-22) and later to the USS Mount Hood (AE-29). Following these early sea assignments, Isom was selected to attend Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Training, becoming a Navy SEAL.[3]
He began his career in Naval Special Warfare Command with an assignment to SEAL Team One. Over the following years, Isom served in a series of increasingly senior positions, including with Naval Special Warfare Development Group, Joint Special Operations Command, and later at Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadron One. He was also assigned to Special Reconnaissance Team Two, where he served as Command Master Chief.[3][4]

Following his operational tours, Isom served as the Command Master Chief of Naval Special Warfare Group Ten. He subsequently held senior enlisted positions as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of Special Operations Command North and then Special Operations Command Pacific.[3] On June 30, 2022, he assumed duties as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of United States Indo-Pacific Command.[4]
Isom deployed in support of multiple combat and contingency operations including Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also participated in numerous deployments throughout the Pacific and the Horn of Africa.[3][4]
His military education includes the Command Master Chief Course, Joint Special Operations University Senior Enlisted Academy, the U.S. Special Operations Command Summit Course, the National Defense University's Keystone Course, and the Naval Postgraduate School's Navy Senior Leader Seminar. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies from Norwich University.[3][4]
In May 2025, Isom was selected for appointment as the 6th Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman (SEAC) of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, by General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.[2][5] In June 2025 he assumed the rank and position, becoming the senior-most enlisted service member in the United States Armed Forces.[1]
Awards and decorations
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References
[edit]- ^ a b "Senior Enlisted Advisor Announcement". U.S. Department of Defense. June 20, 2025. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
- ^ a b Burchett, Caitlyn (May 27, 2025). "Indo-Pacific's top sailor, SEAL tapped to serve as top senior enlisted adviser". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Command Master Chief David Isom Biography (August 11, 2021). United States Special Operations Command Pacific. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
- ^ a b c d Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command – Fleet Master Chief David L. Isom. United States Indo-Pacific Command. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
- ^ Schogol, Jeff (27 May 2025). "Navy SEAL Team 6 operator will be the military's new top enlisted leader". Task and Purpose. Retrieved 25 June 2025.