Trump Nominates Dan "Razin" Caine as Joint Chiefs Chairman

On February 21, 2025, President Donald J. Trump announced the nomination of retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan "Razin" Caine to serve as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. If confirmed by the Senate, Caine will become the nation’s highest-ranking military officer and principal advisor to the president, defense secretary, and National Security Council.

A Leader for the Moment

Caine’s nomination signals a shift in military leadership under President Trump’s administration, with a renewed focus on the core mission of the U.S. armed forces: deterring threats, fighting wars, and securing victories.

“General Caine embodies the warfighter ethos and is exactly the leader we need to meet the moment,” said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. “I look forward to working with him.”

Caine will succeed Air Force Gen. Charles CQ Brown, Jr., who has served with distinction for over four decades. Hegseth commended Brown’s leadership, recognizing him as a thoughtful advisor and saluting his years of dedicated service.

A Career Forged in Combat and Strategy

Caine brings a wealth of experience from both the battlefield and strategic command roles. His military career spans multiple critical assignments, including:

• Commander, Joint Special Operations Task Force – Air Directorate, Balad, Iraq (2008)

• Assistant Commanding General, Joint Special Operations Command, U.S. Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg (2016-2018)

• Deputy Commanding General, Special Operations Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, Iraq (2018-2019)

• Associate Director for Military Affairs, Central Intelligence Agency (2021)

Beyond his military service, Caine also spent several years in the private sector as a National Guard officer, entrepreneur, and investor.

Combat-Tested, Mission-Ready

A seasoned fighter pilot, Caine has logged over 2,800 flight hours, including more than 100 combat hours in F-16 aircraft. His decorated service record includes some of the military’s highest honors:

• Defense Superior Service Medal

• Distinguished Flying Cross

• Bronze Star Medal (with bronze oak leaf cluster)

• Defense Meritorious Service Medal

As he awaits Senate confirmation, Caine’s nomination represents a defining moment for U.S. military leadership, with a renewed emphasis on strength, strategy, and readiness for the challenges ahead.