Tag chief of defence staff

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) is the highest-ranking military officer in the United Kingdom. The current Chief of Defence Staff is:

• General Sir Nick Carter (since June 2018)

The Chief of Defence Staff is responsible for advising the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Defence on military matters, and for leading the British Armed Forces. The CDS is also the professional head of the British Armed Forces and is responsible for the overall strategy and direction of the military.

Here are some notable previous Chiefs of Defence Staff:

• General Sir David Richards (2010-2013)
• General Sir Nicholas Houghton (2013-2016)
• General Sir Gordon Messenger (2016-2018)

Note: The title of the Chief of Defence Staff was previously known as the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) until 2016, when it was changed to Chief of Defence Staff.