President Trump nominated retired three-star General Dan Caine to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This is a surprise pick, as Caine was not widely known in Washington before the announcement.
Trump's admiration for Caine stems from their meeting in Iraq in 2018. Caine reportedly told Trump that the Islamic State could be defeated within a week.
Caine is a retired F-16 pilot who has held various positions, including a role at the CIA. He also has experience in the private sector.
His career path is considered unconventional for this top military position. He was apparently passed over for promotion earlier by President Biden.
Caine's time in Iraq from 2018 to 2019 played a significant role in gaining Trump's attention.
Caine's nomination has raised concerns about his political neutrality, especially considering the recent firing of the previous chairman.
A senior military official who knows Caine stated that he would work to keep the military apolitical, though it remains to be seen if this can happen given Trump's past actions.
The Senate confirmation process will be crucial in determining Caine's future as the nation's top military officer.