The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the principal military adviser to the U.S. president, the secretary of defense, and the National Security Council. The current chairman is Gen. Dan Caine, who has served since April 11, 2025. Caine was a somewhat unconventional choice for the post. When he was nominated by Pres. Donald Trump, Caine was a relatively unknown retired three-star lieutenant general in the U.S. Air Force. He failed to meet any of the criteria required for the post, though the president has the authority to waive these conditions βif such action is necessary in the national interest.β Shortly before his confirmation, Caine was made a four-star general.
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