Brent Ziegler pitches leadership plan in Appropriations session as candidate for adjutant general

Brent Ziegler presented to the Appropriations Committee and outlined a six-point plan if elected Vermont’s next adjutant general, stressing visible leadership, readiness and service-member support. Ziegler, who said he began his military service at 17 and has served more than three decades in enlisted and commissioned ranks, said his priorities include improving service-member well‑being and work‑life balance, fostering a value‑based culture, aligning the guard with civic and state partners, strengthening forces and workforce development, enhancing disaster response capabilities and maintaining combat readiness.

Ziegler described operational experience across logistics, personnel and training roles and cited deployment to Iraq in 2005. He said his leadership approach emphasizes presence and accountability: "While senior leaders must set strategy and manage resources, I believe effective leadership also requires visibility and engagement at every level of our organization," he said. In a moment he repeated, "I will not obey an unlawful order," framing his stance on lawful command and ethical duty.

Committee members pressed him on retention and recruitment. Ziegler said retention in the Vermont guard is "above the national average" but that continued outreach—town halls, engagement by senior leaders, partnerships with landowners to allow community training, and review of education and benefit packages—are needed to maintain and grow strength. He described efforts to secure multi‑year commitments from members and to make service an attractive, local career option.

Ziegler gave the committee printed campaign materials and contact information and said he would be available for follow‑up meetings ahead of the adjutant general election; he referenced a Feb. 19 date on his calendar for the selection process. He closed by asking for the committee’s consideration and thanking members for their time.

The session moved next to a budget presentation by the Cannabis Control Board; Ziegler’s appearance concluded without a committee vote or formal action on his candidacy.