WASHINGTON, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Few knew the name Dan Caine before President Donald Trump's unexpected nomination. However, the retired three-star general's journey to becoming the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff began with a pivotal meeting in Iraq in 2018.
During his time as the deputy commander of a special operations task force, Caine made a bold claim to President Trump: the Islamic State could be defeated in just a week. This interaction left a lasting impression on Trump, who often recounted the story at the Conservative Political Action Conference in 2019.
Since then, Trump has praised Caine repeatedly, describing him as a "real general, not a television general" at a Miami event. This admiration culminated in Caine's nomination, announced via Trump's Truth Social, to become the most senior active-duty officer in the U.S. military.
If the Senate approves, Caine will assume leadership of a military experiencing rapid changes under the Trump administration. He will follow the abrupt dismissal of Air Force General C.Q. Brown, the previous chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Caine's career trajectory is unconventional for a presidential military advisor. Unlike his predecessors, who typically led a combatant command or a military branch, Caine's highest rank before retirement was three-star general. Trump, however, attributes Caine's previous lack of promotion to the actions of "Sleepy Joe Biden."
Graduating from the Virginia Military Institute in 1990 with a degree in arts and economics, Caine has flown over 2,800 hours in F-16 aircraft. His notable experience includes defending Washington during the September 11, 2001, attacks.
Caine's career spans various roles, including special assistant at the Department of Agriculture and policy director for counterterrorism at the White House's homeland security council. From 2009 to 2016, he was also a part-time National Guard member and an entrepreneur.
Most recently, Caine served as the associate director for military affairs at the Central Intelligence Agency before retiring late last year. His tenure in Iraq from 2018 to 2019 significantly enhanced his profile in Trump's eyes.
Caine faces the challenge of keeping the military apolitical, a concern heightened by General Brown's firing. A senior U.S. military official, familiar with Caine, emphasized his commitment to prioritizing mission and troops over politics.
According to this official, Caine was particularly concerned with ensuring Brown was treated with respect following his dismissal. The official also stressed Caine's non-political nature and dedication to the U.S. Constitution.
Trump's influence on the military's political stance remains uncertain. In recalling their Iraq meeting, Trump mentioned that service members donned "Make America Great Again" hats, a gesture he acknowledged was against protocol but tolerated by the troops.
This nomination places Caine in a critical role where his ability to maintain military neutrality will be tested, especially under Trump's leadership.
