President Trump has announced his selection of retired Air Force Lieutenant General Dan Caine as the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The retired officer, who has the military call sign “Razin,” developed a positive rapport with Trump during a prior meeting in Iraq. According to individuals knowledgeable about Caine, he is regarded as a calm, balanced, and non-partisan figure within military circles.
The announcement came after Trump dismissed General CQ Brown Jr., who had been in the role for approximately 16 months. This move, along with the removal of other top military figures, aligns with the administration’s intent to reshape military leadership by replacing those who have supported diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The current Republican administration claims its emphasis will be on enhancing military effectiveness and readiness.
Caine, who retired in December, faces uncertainty regarding what would be required for him to transition back into active duty to secure Senate confirmation. Caine has not served as a combat commander or a service chief, which are typically prerequisites for the position as specified by a law from 1986. However, there is a provision that allows the president to waive these requirements.
According to Chris Miller, who previously held the acting secretary of defense role during Trump’s first term, Caine is an unconventional choice, which aligns with Trump’s vision for military leadership. Miller remarked that Caine possesses substantial knowledge of Pentagon operations and has experience in both the National Guard and private sector. He noted that Caine’s background as a citizen-soldier provides him with a unique perspective that may be refreshing in the role of chairman.
Trump’s history with Caine dates back to his initial term in office. During a 2019 address at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Trump recounted their interaction in Iraq, where Caine suggested that the fight against ISIS could be resolved far sooner than anticipated, if given the necessary resources and strategy to launch a more comprehensive offensive.
Following Brown’s termination, speculation arose regarding whether Trump was seeking a chairman who would display loyalty to his administration. Trump has openly criticized current military leadership while praising Caine, emphasizing the need for improvement in top-tier military guidance.
Trump recalled how Caine once pledged his dedication to the president’s cause, stating, “He said, ‘I’ll kill for you, sir,’” a moment that Trump highlighted during a recent CPAC address. Despite this, Caine has maintained a stance of being apolitical, according to a military associate. This source insisted that Caine has never publicly shown any affiliation with partisan political symbols.
During his tenure, Caine headed the Special Access Program Central Office within the military, a challenging role due to the need to navigate considerable congressional interests and maintain oversight of sensitive military information.
In addition to his military accolades, Caine, like General Brown, is an accomplished F-16 fighter pilot. He recently concluded a project with the CIA. He has discussed his life experiences extensively on podcasts, reflecting on how his upbringing in a military family shaped his dedication to serving the nation. Caine has advised young aspiring service members to value their roles, highlighting that beyond the excitement of flying, the core of military service lies in defending and protecting one’s country.
