General Raisin Caine Biography
General “Raisin” Caine, whose full name is Lt. Gen. John D. Caine, is a senior U.S. Air Force officer who served as the deputy commanding general of the Special Operations Joint Task Force during Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq. Caine gained public attention when former President Donald Trump mentioned him during speeches, including at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where Trump claimed that Caine promised he could defeat ISIS in just four weeks—much faster than the years predicted by others.
Lt. Gen. Caine has had an extensive military career, with assignments ranging from F-16 pilot roles to more senior leadership positions. He currently serves as the CIA’s Associate Director for Military Affairs, acting as the main liaison between the CIA and the Department of Defense. Caine has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Iraq Campaign Medal and the Defense Superior Service Medal.
General Raisin Caine Age
General John D. “Raisin” Caine’s exact age isn’t publicly disclosed. However, based on his career timeline and typical age ranges for his rank and experience, he is likely in his late 50s to early 60s.
General Raisin Caine Educational Background
Lt. Gen “Raisin” Caine, has an extensive educational background that supports his impressive military career. His education began with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the Virginia Military Institute in 1990, where he completed his ROTC training.
He continued his professional development through various advanced military programs, including the Squadron Officer School in 1998 at Maxwell Air Force Base and the Air Force Weapons School Instructor Course at Nellis Air Force Base in 1999. Additionally, he completed specialized courses such as the Air to Ground Operations School in 2001.
In 2005, Caine earned a Master of Arts in Air Warfare from the American Military University, which deepened his strategic and operational knowledge of air combat and warfare.
His education didn’t stop with military-specific training. Caine also undertook leadership and national security courses at prestigious institutions. In 2019, he completed the Senior Executives for National and International Security Program at Harvard Kennedy School. The same year, he attended the Capstone Course at the National Defense University, a program designed for senior leaders to understand joint and combined warfare.
In 2020, he further advanced his expertise by completing the National Security Studies Management Course at Syracuse University, alongside other national and international security leadership seminars.
General Raisin Caine Career
Lt. Gen. John D. “Raisin” Caine has enjoyed a decorated military career that has spanned over three decades, serving in various roles within the U.S. Air Force and intelligence agencies. His trajectory in the military is marked by leadership positions in critical operations, particularly in areas of special access programs, counterterrorism, and air warfare. Known for his strategic mindset and operational expertise, Caine has become a highly respected figure in both military and government circles. Let’s take a comprehensive look at his career:
Early Years in the Air Force
Caine’s military career began in earnest in 1992 when he entered the EURO-NATO Undergraduate Pilot Training program at Sheppard Air Force Base. After completing this demanding program, Caine started his career as an F-16 pilot in January 1994. Stationed at Syracuse Air National Guard Base, Caine held multiple roles, including Assistant Training Officer and Scheduling Officer for the 138th Fighter Squadron. These early years were formative, as they allowed Caine to hone his skills as a fighter pilot while managing operational responsibilities.
By 1995, he had progressed to becoming an F-16 Instructor Pilot, taking on leadership in the scheduling and training for his squadron. This period was critical in setting the foundation for his eventual ascent through the ranks of the Air Force.
Leadership in Weapons and Tactics
From 1995 to 1999, Caine’s career took a significant turn as he moved into positions focusing on weapons and tactics. After assuming the role of Chief of Scheduling and Training at the 138th Fighter Squadron, he was later promoted to Chief of Weapons. His expertise in this area led to an assignment as an F-16 Instructor Pilot and Chief of Weapons at Andrews Air Force Base, where he was responsible for the training and preparedness of aircrew on advanced weapons systems and tactics.
His leadership in these areas demonstrated his growing capabilities in both the strategic and operational domains, and it wasn’t long before he moved on to more senior positions.
Operation Iraqi Freedom and Counter-SCUD Operations
A pivotal moment in Caine’s career came during his deployment to Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait in 2001, where he served as the F-16 Mission Commander and Chief of Group Weapons and Tactics. During this time, he was responsible for leading air missions during the initial stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom, specifically targeting SCUD missile sites in Iraq.
In 2002, he was appointed the Counter-SCUD Project Officer at the United States Central Command in Florida. His role in countering Iraq’s missile threat was essential to the coalition’s air strategy. Caine’s operational leadership during this period earned him several awards and further cemented his reputation as a tactician and leader.
Special Tactics and Joint Operations
By 2008, Caine was transitioning into even more complex roles, particularly in joint operations and special tactics. He took on the role of Special Tactics Air Liaison Officer for the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, part of Joint Special Operations Command at Pope Air Force Base. His mission was to coordinate and integrate airpower with ground special operations units, a role that required precision and coordination in high-pressure environments.
His expertise in both air and ground operations positioned him as a key leader within special operations, directly influencing the success of joint missions and operations against insurgent forces in the Middle East.
White House Fellow and Homeland Security
Caine’s military career took a strategic turn when he was appointed a White House Fellow in 2006 as part of the Air Force Fellows Program. He served as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of Agriculture, a role that provided him with insights into federal policymaking and interagency coordination. Soon after, in 2006, he became the Policy Director for Counterterrorism and Strategy on the White House Homeland Security Council.
In this role, Caine developed strategies for countering domestic and international terrorism, including responses to emerging threats such as al-Qaeda. His work at the White House gave him a broader understanding of national security policy, which would inform his later military assignments.
Commanding General, Special Operations Joint Task Force
One of the most notable roles in Caine’s career came in 2018 when he was appointed the Deputy Commanding General of the Special Operations Joint Task Force during Operation Inherent Resolve. This operation aimed to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria, and Caine played a critical role in coordinating air and ground operations during this mission.
Under his leadership, U.S. and coalition forces were able to reclaim territory from ISIS and diminish the group’s operational capabilities. Caine’s strategic direction during these operations was essential to the success of the mission, and his leadership earned him further accolades.
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Director of Special Programs at the Pentagon
In 2019, Caine was promoted to Director of Special Access Programs at the Pentagon, overseeing some of the most classified and sensitive projects within the Department of Defense. This role required Caine to advise the Secretary of Defense on a wide range of special operations and high-tech programs that were critical to U.S. national security.
His position as Director of Special Programs marked him as one of the most trusted figures in the U.S. military, responsible for managing top-secret initiatives and ensuring their success in safeguarding American interests both at home and abroad.
Leadership in the Central Intelligence Agency
Since November 2021, Caine has served as the Associate Director for Military Affairs at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). In this capacity, he acts as the primary liaison between the Department of Defense and the CIA, ensuring that military operations and intelligence activities are seamlessly integrated.
This role places Caine at the forefront of both intelligence and military strategy, overseeing operations that span both covert missions and open military engagements. His experience in the field, combined with his strategic expertise, makes him a vital player in U.S. national security at the highest levels.
General Raisin Caine Awards and Honors
Here are the awards, honors, and recognitions that Lt. Gen. John D. “Raisin” Caine has received throughout his distinguished military career:
- Defense Superior Service Medal
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Bronze Star Medal (with bronze oak leaf cluster)
- Defense Meritorious Service Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Air Medal (with bronze oak leaf cluster)
- Aerial Achievement Medal
- Air Force Commendation Medal (with two bronze oak leaf clusters)
- Joint Service Achievement Medal
- Air Force Achievement Medal
- Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (with “V” device and four bronze oak leaf clusters)
- Combat Readiness Medal
- National Defense Service Medal (with bronze campaign star)
- Iraq Campaign Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Air Force Expeditionary Service Medal
- Air Force Longevity Service Award (with three bronze oak leaf clusters)
- Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with hourglass device)
- Air Force Training Ribbon
- Presidential Service Badge
- Lieutenant General Claire Chennault Award (2004, for being the Air Force’s Outstanding Aerial Tactician)
- EURO-NATO Undergraduate Pilot Training Distinguished Graduate (1992)
- Outstanding Graduate, USAF F-16 Weapons School (1999)
General Raisin Caine Assignments
Here is a comprehensive list of all the major assignments held by Lt. Gen. John D. “Raisin” Caine throughout his career:
- November 1992 – December 1993: Student, EURO-NATO Undergraduate Pilot Training, 80th Flying Training Wing, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.
- January 1994 – April 1994: F-16 Pilot/Assistant Training Officer/Scheduling Officer, 138th Fighter Squadron, Syracuse Air National Guard Base, New York.
- April 1994 – June 1995: F-16 Pilot/Assistant Weapons Officer, 138th Fighter Squadron, Syracuse ANG, New York.
- June 1995 – November 1995: F-16 Instructor Pilot/Chief of Scheduling and Training, 138th Fighter Squadron, Syracuse ANG, New York.
- November 1995 – April 1998: F-16 Instructor Pilot/Chief of Training, 138th Fighter Squadron, Syracuse ANG, New York.
- April 1998 – July 1998: F-16 Instructor Pilot/Chief of Weapons, 138th Fighter Squadron, Syracuse ANG, New York.
- July 1998 – January 1999: F-16 Instructor Pilot/Chief of Weapons, 121st Fighter Squadron, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland.
- January 1999 – June 1999: Student, F-16 Fighter Weapons School, 57th Fighter Wing, Nellis AFB, Nevada.
- June 1999 – November 2001: F-16 Instructor Pilot/Flight Commander/Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 121st Fighter Squadron, Andrews AFB, Maryland.
- November 2001 – February 2002: F-16 Mission Commander/Chief of Group Weapons and Tactics, 332nd Air Expeditionary Group, Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait.
- February 2002 – January 2003: Counter SCUD Project Officer, United States Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
- January 2003 – May 2003: F-16 Mission Commander/Flight Commander/Chief of Wing Weapons and Tactics, 410th Air Expeditionary Wing, classified location.
- May 2003 – January 2005: Chief of Weapons and Current Operations, ANG AFRC Test Center, Tucson ANG, Arizona.
- January 2005 – August 2005: Director of Operations, ANG AFRC Test Center, Tucson ANG, Arizona.
- August 2005 – September 2006: White House Fellow, Special Assistant to the Secretary, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.
- October 2006 – January 2008: Policy Director for Counterterrorism and Strategy, White House Homeland Security Council, Executive Office of the President, Washington, D.C.
- January 2008 – July 2008: J3 and Commander, Joint Special Operations Task Force – Air Directorate, Balad, Iraq.
- July 2008 – November 2010: F-16 Instructor Pilot/Mission Commander, 121st Fighter Squadron, Andrews AFB, Maryland.
- November 2010 – June 2012: Director of Operations (A3)/Deputy Director of Joint Operations (J3), Joint Force Headquarters, District of Columbia ANG, Washington, D.C.
- June 2012 – June 2014: Commander, 113th Maintenance Group, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.
- June 2014 – May 2016: Director of Joint Operations and Training (J3), Joint Force Headquarters, District of Columbia ANG, Washington, D.C.
- May 2016 – June 2016: Deputy Commanding General, Air, Joint Force Headquarters, District of Columbia ANG, Washington, D.C.
- June 2016 – May 2018: Assistant to the Vice Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, Special Operations Command Washington Office, Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, and Assistant Commanding General, Joint Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
- May 2018 – September 2019: Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Central Command Special Operations Component and Deputy Commanding General – Special Operations Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (Iraq).
- September 2019 – September 2021: Director, Special Programs and Director, Special Access Programs Central Office, Pentagon, Virginia.
- September 2021 – November 2021: Special Assistant to the Chief, National Guard Bureau, Washington, D.C.
- November 2021 – Present: Associate Director for Military Affairs, Central Intelligence Agency, Washington, D.C.
General Raisin Caine Publications
Here is a list of General John D. “Raisin” Caine’s notable publications:
- “The Air Force Book”, published by The Air Force Association – This publication includes a September 11th vignette, reflecting on the impact of the 9/11 attacks on the Air Force and its operations.
- “Concept of Operations for the Location, Identification, and Destruction of Scud Missiles”, Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003 – In this work, Caine outlines strategies for locating and destroying Scud missile launchers during the Iraq War, which was crucial to the coalition’s success in minimizing missile threats.
- “Hurricane Katrina Lessons Learned Report”, The White House, March 2006 – This report examines the U.S. government’s response to Hurricane Katrina, drawing conclusions and lessons on disaster management and response.
- “The National Strategy for Homeland Security”, The White House, October 2007 – This publication is a comprehensive strategy document addressing national security threats, with a particular focus on counterterrorism efforts and the need for interagency collaboration.
General Raisin Caine Wife and Children
Details regarding General Raisin Caine’s wife and children are not publicly disclosed.
General Raisin Caine Net Worth
General Raisin Caine’s net worth is not publicly disclosed.
FAQs
Who is General Raisin Caine?
General Raisin Caine, officially known as Lt. Gen. John D. Caine, is a high-ranking officer in the U.S. Air Force and currently serves as the Associate Director for Military Affairs at the CIA.
What is General Raisin Caine’s role at the CIA?
Since November 2021, Lt. Gen. Caine has served as the Associate Director for Military Affairs at the CIA, acting as a liaison between the Department of Defense and the CIA.
What are some of the major military operations General Caine has been involved in?
Caine has been involved in significant operations, such as Operation Inherent Resolve, aimed at defeating ISIS, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he played a crucial role in counter-SCUD missile strategies.
What is General Raisin Caine’s military background?
Lt. Gen. Caine has served as an F-16 pilot, weapons officer, and commander in various capacities across his career, holding key positions in special operations, counterterrorism, and military strategy.
What awards has General Raisin Caine received?
Caine has been awarded numerous military honors, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, and many others for his service and leadership.
What is General Raisin Caine’s educational background?
Caine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Virginia Military Institute and a Master of Arts in Air Warfare from American Military University, along with numerous military and national security courses from prestigious institutions like Harvard and Syracuse.
Has General Raisin Caine published any notable works?
Yes, Caine has authored several publications, including “The Air Force Book,” “Concept of Operations for the Location, Identification, and Destruction of Scud Missiles,” and “The National Strategy for Homeland Security.”
