Command Chief Master Sgt. James L. Brown has accepted full-time duties as the command senior enlisted leader for the Kansas National Guard, where he has served on a part-time basis since August 2015, according to an announcement.
Brown announced his plan to transition from the Topeka Police Department effective Jan. 1, 2017, and begin his full-time role with the Kansas National Guard on Jan. 2, 2017.
In this role, Brown serves as the primary adviser to the adjutant general of Kansas on all matters pertaining to the enlisted force, a spokesman said.
Before becoming Topeka police chief in 2014, Brown served with the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department.
“I am excited to have Chief Brown serve in a full-time leadership capacity with the Kansas National Guard,” said Maj. Gen Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general. “His experience and impeccable reputation across the state will help forge partnerships, enhance communication and improve readiness in the Guard.”
“As the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of the Kansas National Guard, I pledge to continue to serve our soldiers and airman with loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal and administrative courage,” Brown said in a statement. “I will represent and serve the enlisted men and women of the Kansas Army and Air National Guard and be their representative to the Kansas Adjutant General and champion all matters regarding the professional development, discipline of the force, readiness, training, utilization, health, morale, and welfare of our warriors.”
Kansas has approximately 7,200 Army and Air National Guard members responsible for both a state and federal mission.