U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said during a Pentagon ceremony this week McKinley's new rank was indicative of how vital the National Guard is to the defense of the United States.

"This elevation of the chief of the National Guard bureau to four stars underscores the critical importance of the Guard to America's overall national defense," Gates said. "It also signifies the vital role the chief has in bridging the state and federal components of our government and the active and Reserve components of our military."

McKinley will succeed U.S. Army Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum as chief of the National Guard Bureau. Blum will serve as U.S. Northern Command deputy commander as per Gates' selection.

McKinley's new duties also make him the first reserve component officer tabbed to be a combatant command deputy commander.