Central ND News

Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee convened for a hearing to consider Lieutenant General Dan "Razin" Caine's nomination as the 22nd Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Lt. Gen. Caine has significantly contributed to managing classified military programs, having served as Director of Special Programs in the U.S. Department of Defense's Special Access Program Central Office. His role involved advising the Secretary of Defense on sensitive projects. Additionally, he acted as Associate Director for Military Affairs at the Central Intelligence Agency, providing military advice to the agency.

If confirmed, Lt. Gen. Caine would become the highest-ranking military officer in the United States Armed Forces.

During the hearing, a committee member expressed gratitude for Lt. Gen. Caine's service and confidence in his ability to replace General Brown, whose dismissal was described as unfortunate: “Thank you, Lieutenant General, for your service and your willingness to step back into the gap,” said the official. The member added, “While I agree the dismissal of your predecessor was unfortunate, it's behind us, and I cannot think of a better person to replace General Brown than you. […] I look forward to supporting you strongly.”

Another committee member, Cramer, commented on Lt. Gen. Caine’s opening statement which covered familiar topics but emphasized Lt. Gen. Caine’s potential as a disruptor given his unconventional background: “We're dealing with the situation right now with perhaps the most disruptive innovator becoming the first director of the most disruptive innovative agency, the Space Development Agency.”

Cramer addressed broader cultural challenges within the Pentagon and sought Lt. Gen. Caine's insights on fostering innovation. In response, Lt. Gen. Caine highlighted the need for proactive execution: “You're hitting on an area that is a point of passion for me,” he said. “We have to stop admiring the problem, and we have to start executing. I do think your point about culture is where it all starts.”

Lt. Gen. Caine expressed encouragement regarding new departmental leaders and pledged collaboration with various leaders and Congress to achieve these goals: “I'm encouraged by the leaders who are coming into the department, who have deep, substantive business background that are not known as people who admire problems,” he noted.

Addressing concerns about intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, Lt. Gen. Caine underscored their importance: “ISR and the ability to have indications and warnings to make decisions for commanders who hold risk is a key and essential part of our overall ability to execute the missions that we must do.”

He also stated a belief that the Air Force should maintain ISR as a core mission.