Air Force General Dan Caine has officially assumed the role of chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This appointment follows a series of administrative procedures, culminating nearly two months after President Donald Trump dismissed Caine’s predecessor. A formal ceremony at the White House is anticipated later in the week to commemorate the occasion.
Caine, a highly decorated F-16 fighter pilot and esteemed officer, commenced his duties on Saturday after the President signed the requisite documentation. His appointment fills the position left vacant by Air Force General CQ Brown, who was removed by Trump amid a larger effort to dismiss military officials perceived to advocate for diversity and equity programs. Brown, who made history as a fighter pilot and was the second Black chairman, served for 16 months before his termination on February 21. Caine’s tenure is set to continue until September 30, 2027.
The Senate confirmed Caine’s appointment in the early hours of Friday, with a bipartisan vote of 60 to 25, receiving support from 15 Democratic senators and Independent Senator Angus King of Maine. Caine’s confirmation was notable, as he did not meet the conventional prerequisites specified in a 1986 law, having never served as a combatant commander or service chief. Consequently, President Trump signed a waiver, deeming Caine’s appointment essential for national interests.
Remarkably, Caine is the first officer to be called back from retirement to assume the chairman’s role. His military journey began in 1990 through the ROTC program at the Virginia Military Institute. After completing pilot training, he transitioned to the Air National Guard to pursue his passion for flying fighter jets, due to limited opportunities in active duty at the time.
In 2001, Caine was part of the second rotation of fighter jets patrolling Washington, D.C. on September 11. Shortly thereafter, he was deployed to Kuwait as an F-16 mission commander. Caine earned his master’s degree in 2005 from American Military University in Charles Town, West Virginia. His extensive military experience includes over 2,800 flight hours, with more than 100 in combat.
Caine’s career has seen him transition between full-time active duty and leadership roles in various special operations commands, classified Pentagon programs, and the CIA. His most recent position before retiring last year was as the associate director for military affairs at the CIA.
Caine, whose call sign is “Raizin,” was present at the Pentagon on Friday, amid uncertainty regarding the timing of his swearing-in ceremony due to a delay in the President’s paperwork signing. President Trump was occupied with his annual physical at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and subsequent travel to Florida. Ultimately, the paperwork was completed late Friday night, allowing Caine to be sworn in on Saturday and begin his duties over the weekend, although his name had yet to appear on the Joint Chiefs website by Monday.
During his confirmation hearing, Caine assured senators of his commitment to providing candid advice to President Trump and maintaining apolitical conduct. When questioned on the potential for illegal military directives, such as using the military against civilians in domestic law enforcement, Caine emphasized his responsibility to resist such orders.
Real-World Implications
The appointment of General Dan Caine as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff introduces a new dynamic to the U.S. military’s leadership. Caine’s experience and perspectives will influence military strategies and decisions during his tenure, potentially impacting how the military addresses both domestic and international challenges.
For the community, Caine’s leadership could signify changes in military priorities, particularly concerning diversity and equity within the armed forces, considering the circumstances of his predecessor’s dismissal. This shift may affect morale and recruitment, reflecting broader societal debates on inclusion and representation. Additionally, his unique path to leadership exemplifies the varied career trajectories possible within the military, offering inspiration to service members navigating their own careers.