Senate Vets Hokanson for National Guard Chief

Senate Vets Hokanson for National Guard Chief

By Rachel S. Cohen

The prospective next head of the National Guard Bureau told the Senate this week he expects the new coronavirus pandemic and civil unrest will require the Guard to play a greater role in homeland security than in the past. “Given the magnitude of recent domestic events, I anticipate a larger role for the National Guard in supporting civil authorities in the homeland; therefore, I foresee a potential increased role for me, if confirmed, in the interagency in planning for and reacting to events in the homeland,” Army Lt. Gen. Daniel Hokanson wrote to the Senate Armed Services Committee ahead of his June 18 confirmation hearing. If confirmed, Hokanson will earn a promotion to general and replace Air Force Gen. Joseph Lengyel, who assumed the post in August 2016. The head of the National Guard Bureau is also a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.