Navy leadership is getting a significant reshuffle as Command Master Chief Anton Fitz prepares to step into a key advisory role at Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG) this December, marking the latest move in a series of senior enlisted leadership transitions across military branches.
The change comes as part of the military’s ongoing efforts to position its most experienced non-commissioned officers in strategic advisory positions. CMDCM Fitz will replace outgoing Command Master Chief Chad Elliott, who is retiring in March 2026 after a distinguished career.
The Critical Role of Senior Enlisted Advisors
What exactly does a senior enlisted advisor do? They serve as the vital bridge between enlisted personnel and commanding officers, representing the needs and concerns of service members who make up the backbone of military operations.
“A senior enlisted advisor is the most senior enlisted service member in a uniformed unit who acts as the top advisor and representative of enlisted personnel in the unit to the commanding officer,” according to military leadership definitions. These positions exist at every level from field units all the way up to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
In his new role at NAVELSG, Fitz will be responsible for providing counsel on matters crucial to military readiness. “As senior enlisted advisor, Fitz will provide counsel to the commander on enlisted readiness, professional development and quality-of-life matters,” military officials stated in their announcement.
Strategic Placement Across Military Branches
The Navy isn’t the only branch making moves to optimize its senior enlisted leadership. The National Guard has established its Senior Enlisted Leadership Bench Program, which systematically identifies top Army and Air National Guard E9s for placement in high-impact positions across multiple Department of Defense organizations.
Meanwhile, the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) has Command Master Chief Mario S. Rivers serving as Senior Enlisted Advisor to the DeCA Director, positioning him within the agency’s executive leadership structure.
These strategic placements come as the Navy has recently released its Fiscal Year 2026 guidance for Active Duty Command Master Chief, Master Chief Petty Officer (E9), and Senior Chief Petty Officer (E8) selection and screening boards. Eligible candidates will participate in the Senior Enlisted Marketplace (SEM) screening board, part of the process that determines who will fill these crucial advisory roles.
Ensuring Continuity in Leadership
The careful timing of these transitions — with Elliott’s retirement not occurring until months after Fitz’s arrival — suggests a deliberate approach to maintaining continuity in key leadership positions. This handover period allows for knowledge transfer and ensures no gaps in the critical advisory function these senior enlisted leaders provide.
For enlisted personnel across the services, these leadership changes represent more than just new faces at the top. These senior advisors often serve as advocates for quality-of-life improvements, professional development opportunities, and addressing concerns that might otherwise not reach commanding officers.
As military branches continue to evolve their leadership structures heading into 2026, the strategic placement of these experienced enlisted leaders underscores their essential role in maintaining operational readiness and troop welfare across America’s armed forces.
