DIRECTOR OF THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD CONFIRMED Published May 16, 2002 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Senate confirmed Maj. Gen. Daniel James III on Tuesday to assume the position as Director, Air National Guard. He will be promoted to the rank of lieutenant general.As director, Air National Guard, James will be responsible for formulating, developing, and coordinating all policies, plans and programs affecting the more than 104,000 Air National Guard members in more than 1,841 units throughout the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.He will be the first Air National Guard officer in history to hold the rank of lieutenant general while serving as director. The position of director, Air National Guard was elevated to the grade lieutenant general in August 1999 as part of the 2000 Defense Authorization Act and reflects the increased role of the Air National Guard as part of the Total Air Force.