The Senate has reportedly now confirmed Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine as the new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praised Caine’s leadership, emphasizing its importance for realigning the Department of Defense back to the needs of American military personnel.
A graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and a former Air Force pilot, Caine has logged 2,800 flight hours and served two tours in Iraq.
By 2003, he was the CIA’s Associate Director for Military Affairs, where he acted as the key advisor on military issues and facilitated coordination between the CIA and the Department of Defense.
Congratulations to Dan “Razin” Caine on his confirmation in the Senate as the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Your leadership will be a welcomed/vital part of ensuring we return the Dept. of Defense back to the American warfighter. pic.twitter.com/TFmTrc6MUa
— Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) April 11, 2025
He also commanded the air defense of Washington, D.C., following the 9/11 attacks.
Reflecting on his experiences, Caine recounted a pivotal moment when he instructed his wingman during a critical flight, highlighting the potential consequences of their decisions in high-stakes scenarios.
He acknowledged significant dates in U.S. history, such as December 7 and September 11, urging young military officers to remember the reasons driving the nation’s challenges over the past two decades.
Caine played a critical role in developing the U.S. military’s strategy to counter Iraq’s Scud missiles during the 2003 invasion, successfully preventing Saddam Hussein’s forces from launching any.
In a notable interaction with President Trump in 2019, Caine explained his rapid plan to defeat ISIS, stating it could be accomplished in just one week, contrary to the two-year timeline others suggested.
Trump remarked on Caine’s straightforward communication style, affirming that Caine was the first military leader to seek the President’s opinion on such matters. Caine’s confirmation marks a significant moment in the leadership of the U.S. military.
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