Dan Caine: Trump's Unconventional Pick for Joint Chiefs of Staff

Dan Caine, a retired three-star general, has been nominated by President Trump to become the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Caine's career includes time as an F-16 pilot and roles in the CIA and National Guard. He is known for his apolitical approach to military affairs.

In a surprising move, President Donald Trump has nominated Dan Caine, a retired three-star general, as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Caine's extensive career includes being a pilot during the 9/11 attacks and recent roles in the CIA and National Guard.

Caine appeared on Trump's radar following their initial meeting in Iraq in 2018, where he impressed the president with his confident assertion that the Islamic State could be defeated in a mere week. The retired general's profile has been rising since then.

If confirmed by the Senate, Caine will oversee a military beset by change, succeeding Air Force General C.Q. Brown after his unexpected dismissal. Caine's ability to maintain the military's apolitical stance will be critically observed during his tenure.

(With inputs from agencies.)