| Notes |
Chief of the General Staff
Flag of the Chief of the General Staff
Incumbent
General Sir Patrick Sanders
since 13 June 2022
Ministry of Defence
British Army
Abbreviation CGS
Member of Defence Council
Army Board
Chiefs of Staff Committee
Reports to Chief of the Defence Staff
Nominator Secretary of State for Defence
Appointer The Monarch
On the advice of the Prime Minister, subject to formal approval by the King-in-Council
Term length No fixed length
Precursor Commander-in-Chief of the Forces
Formation 1904, 1964
First holder Sir Neville Lyttelton
Deputy Deputy Chief of the General Staff
The Chief of the General Staff (CGS) has been the title of the professional head of the British Army since 1964. The CGS is a member of both the Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Army Board; he is also the Chair of the Executive Committee of the Army Board. Prior to 1964, the title was Chief of the Imperial General Staff (CIGS). Since 1959, the post has been immediately subordinate to the Chief of the Defence Staff, the post held by the professional head of the British Armed Forces.
The current Chief of the General Staff is General Sir Patrick Sanders, who succeeded his predecessor, General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, in June 2022. In 2024, he will be replaced by Lieutenant General Sir Roland Walker, who is currently serving as the Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff.[1]
Responsibilities
The Chief of the General Staff (CGS) is the professional head of the Army, with responsibility for developing and generating military capability from an integrated Army (Regular and Reserve) and for maintaining the fighting effectiveness, efficiency and morale of the Service. |