Army Command Sgt. Maj. John T. Raines has been named as the next senior enlisted advisor to the chief of the National Guard Bureau. NGB Chief Steven Nordhaus announced on Oct. 16 that Raines would succeed SEA Tony Whitehead, who will retire in November after 42 years of service.
“We must say farewell to SEA Whitehead as he retires and embarks on the journey of his life,” said EANGUS President Bob Sweeney. “He has been a stalwart fighter and has been at the forefront in advocating for the Soldiers, Airman and family members of the National Guard and his commitment and compassion will be missed by all.”
As the seventh SEA, Raines will represent more than 430,000 National Guard service members and advise the chief of the National Guard Bureau on the interests of the Enlisted force.
Raines brings a wealth of experience and prestige to this distinguished position. He has been the sergeant major of the Army National Guard since 2022, and was previously the command senior enlisted leader of the Mississippi National Guard, the Mississippi Army National Guard state command sergeant major, and the J3 senior enlisted leader for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, according to the NGB.
He told the NGB he accepts this role with profound humility.
“I am excited to continue to do what I love most, take care of our Soldiers and Airmen as they take care of America,” Raines said.
EANGUS is incredibly proud to congratulate our next SEA on his esteemed accomplishment. Raines has proven his dedication to the Enlisted community and will bring the National Guard to new heights.
“EANGUS has enjoyed great relationship in working with CSM Raines as the command sergeant major for the Army National Guard and we know this relationship will continue to grow as we work as one team to promote, safeguard and improve the status, welfare, and professionalism of enlisted National Guard members and their families,” said Sweeney.
“I look forward to strengthening our partnership and close collaboration in the future,” Raines said.
