Chief Master Sergeant Daniel J. Cain is the Command Chief Master Sergeant, 12th Flying Training Wing, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. The 12 FTW is the “Source of America’s Airpower” delivering unrivaled airpower leaders for the future of the U.S. Air Force. The wing consists of three flying groups and a maintenance group spanning more than 1,400 miles from JBSA-Randolph, Texas, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida and the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado. The wing is responsible for four single-source aviation pipelines and operates 284 aircraft executing 545 sorties daily, training over 3,700 students annually.
Chief Cain executes the commander’s intent and advises the senior staff on all matters affecting the training, education, readiness, utilization, health, welfare and morale of 1,851 permanently assigned officer, enlisted and civilian personnel. As a lead mission partner for the Department of Defense’s largest joint base, Chief Cain represents the wing on civic and installation committees and councils in unifying quality of life efforts for over 80,000 personnel and their families assigned to Joint Base San Antonio.
Chief Cain grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana and entered the Air Force in August 2000. He graduated from technical training as a Munitions Systems Apprentice and has served in numerous leadership roles at the Squadron, Group, and Numbered Air Force Levels. Chief Cain has deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve.
EDUCATION
2004 Airman Leadership School, Yokota Air Base Japan
2009 AFSO21 Leadership Course, University of Tennessee
2010 Associates Degree in Munitions Systems Technology, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell- Gunter AFB, AL
2010 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education, Non-Residence
2012 Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Non-Residence
2012 Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Kadena AB, Japan
2014 Professional Managers Certificate, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell-Gunter AFB, AL
2015 Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management, Ashford University, San Diego, CA
2017 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education II, Non-Residence
2017 Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Maxwell-Gunter AFB, AL
2017 Professional Managers Certificate, Institute Certified Professional Managers, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA
2020 Chief Master Sergeant Leadership Course, Maxwell-Gunter AFB, AL
ASSIGNMENTS
1. February 2001 – February 2003, Munitions Inspector, 36th Maintenance Sq, Andersen AFB, Guam
2. March 2003 – April 2004, Munitions Inspector, 27th Equipment Maintenance Sq, Cannon AFB, NM
3. May 2004 – May 2008, Senior Munitions Inspector, 374th Maintenance Sq, Yokota AB, Japan
4. June 2008 – July 2009, Munitions Inspector, 366th Equipment Maintenance Sq, Mountain Home AFB, ID
5. July 2009 – June 2012, Chief Inspector Quality Assurance, 36th Maintenance Gp, Andersen AB, Guam
6. June 2012 – December 2013, Element Chief Equipment Maintenance, 57th Maintenance Sq, Nellis AFB, NV
7. December 2013 – August 2016, Assistant Section Chief, Munitions Production, 23d Equipment Maintenance Sq, Moody AFB, GA
8. August 2016 – November 2017, Munitions Flight Chief, 39th Maintenance Sq, Incirlik AB, Turkey
9. November 2017 – January 2020, Squadron Superintendent, 48th Munitions Sq, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England
10. January 2020 – Nov 2021, Superintendent Munitions Division, 7AF, Osan AFB, Republic of Korea
11. Nov 2021 – June 2023, Commandant, Erwin Professional Military Education Center, Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan
12. June 2023 – Present, Command Chief, 12th Flying Training Wing
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters
Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2004 Airman of the Year, 36th Maintenance Group
2004 Lt General Leo Marquez Award, 374th Maintenance Group
2005 John L. Levitow Award, Yokota Airman Leadership School
2006 FTAC NCO of the Year, Pacific Air Forces
2009 NCO of the Year, 36th Maintenance Group
2010 NCO of the Year, 36th Airlift Wing
2011 Maintenance Support Professional of the Year, 36th Maintenance Group
2012 John L. Levitow Award, Kadena NCO Academy
2014 Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award, 23d Equipment Maintenance Squadron
2014 SNCO of the Year, 23d Fighter Wing
2015 Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award, 23d Maintenance Group
2016 Top 40 Under 40, Department of Defense
2017 Academic Achievement Award, Air Force SNCO Academy
2017 Distinguished Graduate Award, Air Force SNCO Academy
2017 Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award, 39th Air Base Wing
2018 Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award, 48th Munitions Squadron
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION
Chief Master Sergeant November 1, 2019