Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Dan Caine

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Dan Caine made an impact.

John Daniel Caine is a retired American lieutenant general. He served as the associate director for military affairs at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 2021 to 2024. In February 2025, he was nominated by President Donald Trump to become the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, following the dismissal of Charles Q. Brown Jr. This nomination marks a significant potential shift in military leadership.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1990: Commissioned

Caine was commissioned in 1990.

1990: Graduation from VMI

In 1990, Caine graduated from the Virginia Military Institute.

2003: Plan to Counter Scud Missiles

During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Caine developed a plan to counter Scud missiles possessed by Iraqi forces.

2009: Air National Guard

From 2009 to 2016, Caine was a part-time member of the Air National Guard.

2016: Left Air National Guard

From 2009 to 2016, Caine was a part-time member of the Air National Guard.

2018: Deputy Commanding General

From 2018 to 2019, Caine served as a deputy commanding general for Operation Inherent Resolve.

2018: Deputy Commanding General for Operation Inherent Resolve

From 2018 to 2019, Caine served as a deputy commanding general for Operation Inherent Resolve.

2019: Director of Special-Access Programs

From 2019 to 2021, Caine served as the director of special-access programs in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

November 2021: Associate Director for Military Affairs

In November 2021, Caine served as the associate director for military affairs.

December 2024: End of Tenure as Associate Director

Caine served as the associate director for military affairs from November 2021 until December 2024.

January 2025: Joined Shield Capital

In January 2025, Caine joined Shield Capital, a venture capital firm.

February 2025: Combat Hours and Tours in Iraq

As of February 2025, Caine has 150 combat hours and two tours in Iraq.

February 2025: Nomination for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

In February 2025, Caine was named as president Donald Trump's nominee for chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, following the dismissal of Charles Q. Brown Jr.