Meet Dan 'Razin' Caine: Donald Trump's unconventional pick for top US military role

UPDATED: Feb 24, 2025 00:00 IST

President Donald Trump has selected retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan Caine to serve as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Known by his call sign “Razin,” Caine first made an impression on Trump during a meeting in Iraq years ago. Many who have served with him describe him as level-headed and politically neutral.

Trump announced his choice in a social media post, the same one in which he dismissed Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr., who had held the position for 16 months. Brown’s removal, along with other military shake-ups, signals the administration’s intent to shift military leadership in a direction focused on combat readiness rather than diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Who is Caine?

Caine retired from the Air Force in December, raising questions about what steps would be necessary to reinstate him for Senate confirmation. Under existing laws, the Joint Chiefs chairman is typically selected from combatant commanders or service chiefs, but a presidential waiver allows for exceptions.

While Caine’s background does not follow the traditional pathway for the role, former acting defense secretary Chris Miller sees that as a strength. "He brings a fresh perspective,” Miller said, emphasizing Caine’s time in both the Guard and the private sector.

A history with Trump

Caine’s relationship with Trump dates back to his first term. During a 2019 speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Trump recounted a moment in Iraq when he questioned the prolonged fight against ISIS.

Caine reportedly told him that if given different strategic permissions, the battle could end in a week rather than two years. “They won’t know what the hell hit them,” Trump quoted Caine as saying.

A ‘loyalist’ pick?

Brown’s firing raised concerns that Trump was looking for a more loyal military leader. Speaking in Miami last week, Trump made his thoughts clear:

“General ‘Razin’ Caine — he’s some general. He’s a real general, not a television general.”

Trump has also earlier implied that Caine was a political supporter, recalling in a CPAC speech that Caine allegedly told him, “I’ll kill for you, sir,” while donning a “Make America Great Again” hat. However, a military official who has worked closely with Caine refuted that claim, and said that Caine has never worn a MAGA hat and has remained apolitical.

Military experience and leadership style

Caine has held significant roles within the military, including leading the Special Access Program Central Office, which oversees classified weapons programs. Miller noted that this position is highly demanding due to intense congressional scrutiny and requires strong strategic skills.

Like Brown, Caine is a former F-16 fighter pilot and comes from a family of aviators. Speaking on “The Afterburn Podcast” last month, he encouraged young service members to embrace the deeper purpose of military service.

“Flying planes in the military is incredibly cool,” Caine said, “but it’s about something more. It’s about serving our country and defending this nation.”

With Caine lacking traditional qualifications for the position, his nomination will likely face scrutiny. However, Trump’s confidence in him remains clear.

(Source: Associated Press)