Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff (United Kingdom)

The Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff (VCDS) is the deputy to the Chief of the Defence Staff, the professional head of the British Armed Forces. It is also the second most senior position within the British Armed Forces. The position was titled Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff before 1964. From 1966 to 1978 the post was occupied by a 3 star officer. From 1978 onwards the post has been held by a 4 star officer.

Responsibilities

The Vice Chief of the Defence Staff deputises for the Chief of the Defence Staff and has responsibility for running the armed forces aspects of defence business, principally through the central staff. VCDS is responsible for:

• Deputising for CDS (in particular as Military Strategic Commander)
• Co-ordinating delivery of top-level decisions-making, implementation and monitoring progress
• Leading senior military judgement for the future development of the armed forces including the definition and delivery for military capability requirements; and being capability sponsor for capital projects and programmes
• Defence Board lead for military personnel and training (including Reserves)
• Leading the preparation of the armed forces input to SDSRs
• (with CDS) conduct of the military strategic dialogue

List of Vice Chiefs of the Defence Staff

These are:

References