Scott Supports National Guard General Joining Joint Chiefs of Staff

Submitted by Anonymous on January 5, 2012 - 7:03pm

Gov. Rick Scott has released the following statement regarding the appointment of General Craig McKinley, a Jacksonville native, to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

It is an honor to congratulate General McKinley on his appointment to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Scott stated in a release. It is perfectly fitting that the National Guards first member of this esteemed military body is a native Floridian.

As a member of the Joint Chiefs, General McKinley will continue our states proud tradition as a leader in our nations defense. Considering the significant role the men and women of the National Guard have while deployed alongside traditional military personnel, it is appropriate and well-deserved that they are represented at the highest levels of our federal government.

McKinley joined the presidents top military advisers on Saturday, when President Barack Obama signed the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act, according to Stars and Stripes.

His presence is controversial, drawing significant support from Congress but unanimous opposition from within the Joint Chiefs, Stars and Stripes reported. Each member expressed that opposition during a hearing on Capitol Hill in November, arguing that the chiefs of staff for the Army and Air Force represent the full spectrum of their services, including National Guard elements.