On Friday, the Senate confirmed Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine as the new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This decision marks a significant moment for the Department of Defense as Caine steps into a role that will shape military leadership and strategy.
Caine, a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, brings a wealth of experience to his new position. He has logged 2,800 flight hours as a former Air Force pilot and has served two tours in Iraq. His military career includes a notable role as the CIA’s Associate Director for Military Affairs, where he acted as the main military advisor to the CIA Director and facilitated collaboration between the CIA and the Department of Defense. After the September 11 attacks, he commanded the air defense of Washington, D.C., a challenging task that required quick and crucial decision-making.
In a reflection on his experiences, Caine recalled the pressure of those moments. He once told a fellow pilot, “Don’t shoot anybody. I’ll make the decision.” He understood that the stakes were incredibly high, and any mistake could have serious consequences for the nation.
Caine has also played a key role in shaping U.S. military strategy. He led counterterrorism efforts for the Homeland Security Council and was instrumental in developing the plan to counter Iraq’s Scud missiles during the 2003 invasion, ensuring that Saddam Hussein’s forces did not fire a single missile.
His confirmation was celebrated by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who expressed confidence in Caine’s leadership and its importance for the military and the country. Hegseth highlighted the need to refocus the Department of Defense on supporting American troops.
Caine’s unique name has drawn attention over the years. In a past meeting with former President Donald Trump, Caine humorously recounted how Trump reacted to his name, which sounds like “Raisin.” Their conversation also revealed Caine’s straightforward approach to military strategy, as he confidently claimed that ISIS could be defeated in just one week, a stark contrast to the two years others had suggested.
As Caine takes on this pivotal role, his extensive experience and strong leadership will be crucial as the military faces new challenges ahead. His commitment to serving the country and supporting the troops will guide his decisions as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.