Trump's joint chiefs nominee calls himself 'unconventional' at Senate hearing

​​​​​​​HAMILTON, Canada

President Donald Trump's nominee for General and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Lt. Gen. John Caine, told lawmakers during his Senate hearing Tuesday that he acknowledges being an "unconventional nominee."

"I learned about service from my parents and the other members of my family who served, not because it was easy, but because it was the right thing to do. In our family, we serve. When asked, we always say yes," Caine told lawmakers

Describing himself as "an unconventional nominee," Caine said that "these are unconventional times."

He emphasized the urgency of addressing national security threats.

"As we sit here now, our nation faces an unprecedented rising global risk. Our adversaries are advancing. Global nuclear threats are on the rise, and deterrence is paramount."

"Our national defense requires urgent action and reform across the board. We must go faster. We must move with a sense of urgency," he added.

Caine was questioned about Trump's claim that he had worn a "Make America Great Again" hat when they first met in 2018 during Trump's visit to US troops in Iraq.

Caine refuted the claim, and said, "I think the president was actually talking about somebody else."

"For 34 years, I've upheld my oath of office and my commitment to my commission," he said, affirming that he has "never worn any political merchandise."

Caine pledged to continue serving in a non-partisan capacity, if confirmed.

"If confirmed, I'll continue the traditions and standards of my oath of office and my commission as a non-partisan leader who will always strive to do the right thing," he said.