General
John Daniel "Razin" Caine
(born August 10, 1968) is a four-star Air Force general currently serving as the 22nd Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As the nation's highest-ranking military officer, he acts as the principal advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council.
Military Career and Background
- Early Service & Combat: Commissioned in 1990 via VMI ROTC, he is a command pilot with over 2,800 flight hours (F-16), serving in combat operations including Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
- 9/11 Response: Was among the first pilots scrambled to protect Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001.
- Leadership Roles: Served in key positions at Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) and as Associate Director for Military Affairs at the CIA (2021–2024).
- Unique Path: Retired as a Lt. General in 2024 before being nominated by President Trump in Feb 2025 to return to active duty as Chairman.
Key Positions & Achievements
- Command Roles: Former Commander of the 113th Maintenance Group and Deputy Commanding General for special operations in Operation Inherent Resolve.
- Breaking Tradition: He is the first Chairman to be nominated from retirement and the first with a National Guard background.
- Business Experience: Between 2009 and 2016, while in the National Guard, he acted as a serial entrepreneur and investor, advising firms like Shield Capital and Voyager Space.
Nomination and Confirmation
- Appointment: Nominated by President Trump on February 21, 2025, succeeding General C.Q. Brown.
- Confirmation: Confirmed by the U.S. Senate and assumed office on April 11, 2025.
- Focus: Advocates for acquisition reform and technological modernization to address emerging threats.
