President Donald Trump has nominated Gen. Dan 'Razin' Caine as his choice for the next U.S. military officer, a decision that has stirred both interest and skepticism in political and military circles. Gen. Caine, a retired Air Force officer known for his expertise in flying F-16 fighter jets as well as the classic F-4 Phantoms, has a storied career that spans both military and private sectors. Despite his extensive experience, Gen. Caine does not meet the traditional prerequisites for the role, such as having served as a combatant commander or service chief. Nevertheless, his long-standing relationship with President Trump, dating back to the former president's first administration, seems to have played a significant role in his selection.
Gen. Caine, whose military call sign is "Razin," has held various roles throughout his career, including serving in the National Guard and leading the Special Access Program Central Office, which is responsible for overseeing classified weapons programs. His leadership in this highly sensitive area has been described by Chris Miller, a former acting Defense Secretary, as one of the most challenging jobs within the department due to the intense congressional interest.
"is one of the most difficult places to work in the whole department because of all of the congressional interest. You have to be really, really adept to handle all of the constituencies" – Chris Miller
In addition to his military service, Gen. Caine has spent time working in the private sector and recently completed an assignment for the CIA last month. He has shared insights into his life and career on "The Afterburn Podcast," where he has spoken candidly about the importance of serving one's country.
"And remember that while flying airplanes in the military at least is epically cool, it's about something deeper," – General Caine
"It's about serving our country. It's about being willing to protect and defend this nation." – General Caine
Gen. Caine's approach to service is evident in his message to young people aspiring to join the military: "Cherish it." He is regarded by many who have served with him as measured and apolitical—qualities that stand out in today's polarized climate. Yet, his nomination has not been without controversy.
President Trump has praised Gen. Caine as a "real general, not a television general," a remark that underscores his preference for leaders with ground-level military experience over media-savvy figures. However, some officials have anonymously refuted claims that Gen. Caine aligns with Trump's political symbolism.
"Then he puts on a 'Make America Great Again' hat." – Donald Trump
"Gen. Caine doesn't have a MAGA hat. He's never put one on." – Anonymous military official
During his tenure, Gen. Caine demonstrated strategic acumen in military operations, as evidenced by Trump's recounting of a conversation regarding military bases in Syria:
'"We're only hitting them from a temporary base in Syria,'" – General Caine (as quoted by Donald Trump)
'"But if you gave us permission, we could hit them from the back, from the side, from all over — from the base that you're right on, right now, sir. They won't know what the hell hit them.'" – General Caine (as quoted by Donald Trump)
While Gen. Caine's nontraditional background might raise eyebrows among some traditionalists, Chris Miller believes this very characteristic aligns with the administration's broader ethos.
"I know he's nontraditional, but that's kind of what this administration looks for" – Chris Miller
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