H. Steven Blum

H. Steven Blum

H Steven Blum (born on October 13, 1946) is a retired United States Army lieutenant general. He last served as Deputy Commander, U.S. Northern Command, where he concurrently served as Vice Commander, U.S. Element, North American Aerospace Defense Command from January 16, 2009 to May 21, 2010. Prior to that, Blum served as the 25th Chief of the National Guard Bureau from April 11, 2003 to November 17, 2008. He retired from the Army and the National Guard on May 21, 2010.

As Deputy Commander, U.S. Northern Command, Blum helped lead the command to anticipate, prepare, and respond to threats and aggression aimed at the United States, its territories, and interests within the assigned area of responsibility and, as directed by the President or Secretary of Defense, provided defense support of civil authorities including consequence management operations.

As Chief, National Guard Bureau, Blum was the senior uniformed National Guard of the United States officer responsible for formulating, developing, and coordinating all policies, programs, and plans affecting more than half a million federalized and nonfederalized Army National Guard and Air National Guard personnel. Appointed by the President, he served as the principal adviser to the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Army, and the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force on all National Guard issues. As National Guard Bureau Chief, he served as the Army's and Air Force's official channel of communication with state governors and Adjutants General concerning state National Guards. Prior to serving as Chief, National Guard Bureau, Blum served as Chief of Staff, U.S. Northern Command.