Fleet Master Chief David Isom, a seasoned Navy SEAL and former member of SEAL Team SIX, has been appointed as the sixth Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC), the highest enlisted position in the U.S. military.
From a Surfboard to the SEALs
Fleet Master Chief David Isom’s path to the top enlisted seat in the U.S. military didn’t start with a recruiting poster or some hard-charging John Wayne fantasy. It began on a surfboard, riding waves off the coast of North Carolina. Born with salt in his blood and inspired by his father, a Korean War Army veteran, Isom enlisted in the Navy in 1987 with nothing but grit, ocean in his lungs, and a hunger to serve.
Boot camp took him to Great Lakes, Illinois, where the weather is brutal and the chow only slightly better, and from there, he hit the fleet aboard two ammunition ships: USS Mauna Kea and USS Mount Hood. That’s where the real work began, where he cut his teeth in the rhythm of naval life—replenishing the fight, keeping the war machine fueled. But something bigger was calling, and Isom had the fire to answer.
He was selected for the Navy’s infamous Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training—where men are broken and few emerge whole. Isom survived the crucible and earned his trident, kicking off a career that would send him to some of the most elite corners of American special operations. Over the years, he served with SEAL Team ONE, Special Reconnaissance Team TWO, and eventually landed at the pinnacle of the SEAL community: Naval Special Warfare Development Group, or DEVGRU—more infamously known as SEAL Team SIX. That’s not just special operations; it’s a different universe entirely.
This wasn’t a man playing in the shadows—Isom lived there. From Desert Shield and Desert Storm to Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and into the murky hotspots of the Pacific and the Horn of Africa, he was on the sharp edge of American power. You don’t see his kind at press conferences or parade reviews. You hear about them only when things go loud, or when the smoke clears and a flag-draped coffin comes home. He spent decades in places the Pentagon won’t talk about and did things that don’t fit into tidy PowerPoint slides.
His leadership pedigree is equally lethal. He served as Command Master Chief for Naval Special Warfare Group TEN and Special Reconnaissance Team TWO, among others. His awards tell a story most men never live: four Bronze Star Medals, including two with “V” devices for valor, two Combat Action Ribbons, a Presidential Unit Citation, and a rack of other commendations that speak to his steel spine and calm under fire.
More recently, he brought that same battle-hardened leadership to the larger joint force, serving as the senior enlisted leader for U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific and North, then stepping into the top enlisted role at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. This is the guy you want in the foxhole—and in the boardroom. He understands how to talk to an 18-year-old Marine on a forward operating base and a four-star general in a secure conference room. That kind of range doesn’t come from reading manuals. It comes from earning respect in blood, sweat, and silence.
Now, Isom is making history again. He’s been named the next Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC)—the first sailor to ever hold the role. That means he’ll be the top enlisted voice advising the most senior military officer in the country. It’s a role that demands integrity, strategic insight, and a deep connection with the enlisted ranks across every branch. In short, it demands a leader exactly like Isom.
Fleet Master Chief David Isom, a seasoned Navy SEAL and former member of SEAL Team SIX, has been appointed as the sixth Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC), the highest enlisted position in the U.S. military.
From a Surfboard to the SEALs
Fleet Master Chief David Isom’s path to the top enlisted seat in the U.S. military didn’t start with a recruiting poster or some hard-charging John Wayne fantasy. It began on a surfboard, riding waves off the coast of North Carolina. Born with salt in his blood and inspired by his father, a Korean War Army veteran, Isom enlisted in the Navy in 1987 with nothing but grit, ocean in his lungs, and a hunger to serve.
Boot camp took him to Great Lakes, Illinois, where the weather is brutal and the chow only slightly better, and from there, he hit the fleet aboard two ammunition ships: USS Mauna Kea and USS Mount Hood. That’s where the real work began, where he cut his teeth in the rhythm of naval life—replenishing the fight, keeping the war machine fueled. But something bigger was calling, and Isom had the fire to answer.
He was selected for the Navy’s infamous Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training—where men are broken and few emerge whole. Isom survived the crucible and earned his trident, kicking off a career that would send him to some of the most elite corners of American special operations. Over the years, he served with SEAL Team ONE, Special Reconnaissance Team TWO, and eventually landed at the pinnacle of the SEAL community: Naval Special Warfare Development Group, or DEVGRU—more infamously known as SEAL Team SIX. That’s not just special operations; it’s a different universe entirely.
This wasn’t a man playing in the shadows—Isom lived there. From Desert Shield and Desert Storm to Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and into the murky hotspots of the Pacific and the Horn of Africa, he was on the sharp edge of American power. You don’t see his kind at press conferences or parade reviews. You hear about them only when things go loud, or when the smoke clears and a flag-draped coffin comes home. He spent decades in places the Pentagon won’t talk about and did things that don’t fit into tidy PowerPoint slides.
His leadership pedigree is equally lethal. He served as Command Master Chief for Naval Special Warfare Group TEN and Special Reconnaissance Team TWO, among others. His awards tell a story most men never live: four Bronze Star Medals, including two with “V” devices for valor, two Combat Action Ribbons, a Presidential Unit Citation, and a rack of other commendations that speak to his steel spine and calm under fire.
More recently, he brought that same battle-hardened leadership to the larger joint force, serving as the senior enlisted leader for U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific and North, then stepping into the top enlisted role at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. This is the guy you want in the foxhole—and in the boardroom. He understands how to talk to an 18-year-old Marine on a forward operating base and a four-star general in a secure conference room. That kind of range doesn’t come from reading manuals. It comes from earning respect in blood, sweat, and silence.
Now, Isom is making history again. He’s been named the next Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC)—the first sailor to ever hold the role. That means he’ll be the top enlisted voice advising the most senior military officer in the country. It’s a role that demands integrity, strategic insight, and a deep connection with the enlisted ranks across every branch. In short, it demands a leader exactly like Isom.
Isom’s promotion is an example of the system working the way it should for once. A guy who started on the decks of ammunition ships and clawed his way through BUD/S, who led from the mud in warzones and the polished floors of command centers, now speaks for every enlisted service member in the U.S. military. The sailor who once surfed North Carolina’s coast now rides the wave at the highest level of American defense.
Leadership Philosophy
Fleet Master Chief David Isom’s leadership philosophy is rooted in a principle that’s as simple as it is rare in today’s bureaucratic maze: take care of your people and grow future leaders.
This isn’t lip service—it’s how he’s led from the battlefield to the boardroom.
In interviews and speeches over the years, Isom has emphasized that leadership isn’t about rank, perks, or power plays. It’s about responsibility. His approach centers on connection, trust, and authenticity. He believes that the foundation of effective leadership lies in relationships—knowing your people, listening to them, and giving them the tools and confidence to succeed. That means mentoring, not micromanaging. It means empowering others to lead, not building an empire around your own ego.
He also understands the critical role of resilience, both mental and physical. Isom has talked about how today’s service members are under immense strain—from high operational tempos to personal and family stresses. As a leader, he sees it as his job to create environments where warfighters are supported, not just in combat but in life. That includes addressing mental health head-on and advocating for a culture where asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Another key pillar of his philosophy is leading by example. Isom didn’t climb the ranks by hiding behind a desk. He’s been on the front lines—literally—and his actions have always spoken louder than words. Whether it was in the deserts of Iraq, jungles in Africa, or briefing rooms at Indo-PACOM, he’s earned trust the hard way: through sweat, scars, and consistent integrity.
When asked what he believes separates great leaders from average ones, he’s pointed to character and humility. He’s not interested in titles or ceremony. He’s interested in results—real, human results. If a young sailor or soldier walks away from an interaction with Isom feeling more confident, more capable, and more committed to their mission, that’s a win in his book.
In short, his philosophy isn’t built on flashy slogans. It’s forged from decades of experience leading elite warriors, surviving the grind, and never forgetting where he came from. As SEAC, he’s now in a position to scale that philosophy across the entire force—and if history is any guide, he’s going to make sure it’s not watered down by politics or platitudes.
Transition at the Top
Isom replaces Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, who has served as SEAC since November 2023. The transition marks a significant moment in the Joint Chiefs of Staff, bringing Isom’s extensive experience and perspective to the highest levels of military leadership.
Looking Ahead
As SEAC, Isom will serve as the principal enlisted advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, providing insight on matters concerning the enlisted force. His appointment is expected to influence policies and initiatives that impact service members across all branches of the military.
Fleet Master Chief David Isom’s appointment as SEAC underscores the value of experience, leadership, and dedication in the U.S. Armed Forces.
His journey from riding waves off the North Carolina coast to becoming the top enlisted leader in the U.S. military stands as a powerful reminder of what’s possible through grit, discipline, and relentless drive. It’s the kind of story that fuels the ambition of young service members and proves that with the right mindset, even the most unassuming beginnings can lead to the highest levels of command.
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