Chief of the General Staff (United Kingdom) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chief of the General Staff
Flag of the CGS
Incumbent General Sir Roland Walker since 15 June 2024
Ministry of Defence British Army
Style	General
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 (often called CGS) is the top military leader of the British Army. Think of them as the main boss who makes sure the Army is ready and strong. This important job has been called CGS since 1964.

Before 1964, the title was Chief of the Imperial General Staff (CIGS). The CGS works closely with other top military leaders. They are part of groups like the Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Army Board. These groups help make big decisions for the entire British military.

The CGS also reports to the Chief of the Defence Staff. This person is the overall head of all the British Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Currently, the Chief of the General Staff is General Sir Roland Walker. He took on this role on June 15, 2024, following General Sir Patrick Sanders.

What the Chief of the General Staff Does

The Chief of the General Staff (CGS) has many important duties. They are in charge of making sure the Army is strong and ready for anything. This includes both regular soldiers and reserve forces.

Here are some of their main responsibilities:

• Leading the Army: The CGS is responsible for all Army personnel. They make sure everyone is working well together.
• Keeping the Army Organized: They ensure the Army runs smoothly and efficiently.
• Chairing Important Meetings: The CGS leads key meetings, like the Executive Committee of the Army Board. These meetings help guide the Army's future.
• Giving Expert Advice: They provide special advice on Army matters to higher government officials. This includes the Secretary of State for Defence and the Prime Minister.
• Planning for the Future: The CGS helps develop new ways for the Army to operate. They also decide how resources are used.
• Managing the Army Team: They lead the senior leaders of the British Army.

History of the Role

The title "Chief of the General Staff" was first used for a short time between 1904 and 1909. During this period, General Sir Neville Lyttelton and Field Marshal Sir William Nicholson held the position.

Then, in 1909, the title changed to "Chief of the Imperial General Staff" (CIGS). This name was used for many years. In 1964, it changed back to "Chief of the General Staff" (CGS), which is what it is called today.

Throughout its history, the person holding this job has always been the main military member of the Army Board.

How the Chief Leads the Army

The Chief of the General Staff is responsible for leading the entire British Army. For example, during World War II, General Alan Brooke, who was the CIGS at the time, focused on big-picture strategies. He worked with American leaders to plan how the Allied forces would fight.

The Chief also decides who gets promoted to senior commander roles. They help manage where soldiers are sent and what equipment they need. They also make sure that air forces work well with ground troops. General Brooke was known for trusting his deputies with tasks. He also worked well with the government officials in charge of the War Office.

People Who Have Held the Role

Many important military leaders have served as the Chief of the General Staff or its earlier versions. Here are some of the people who have held this significant position:

No.	Portrait	Name	Took office	Left office	Time in office	Ref
Chiefs of the General Staff (1904-1909)
1		Lyttelton, NevilleGeneral Sir Neville Lyttelton (1845–1931)	12 February 1904	2 April 1908	4 years, 50 days
2		Nicholson, WilliamField Marshal Sir William Nicholson (1845–1918)	2 April 1908	22 November 1909	1 year, 234 days
Chiefs of the Imperial General Staff (1909-1964)
2		Nicholson, WilliamField Marshal Sir William Nicholson (1845–1918)	22 November 1909	15 March 1912	2 years, 114 days
16		Brooke, AlanField Marshal Alan Brooke, 1st Viscount Alanbrooke (1883–1963)	25 December 1941	25 June 1946	4 years, 182 days
22		Hull, RichardGeneral Sir Richard Hull (1902–1989)	1 November 1961	April 1964	2 years, 5 months
Chiefs of the General Staff (since 1964)
22		Hull, RichardField Marshal Sir Richard Hull (1902–1989)	April 1964	8 February 1965	10 months	-
41		Carleton, MarkGeneral Sir Mark Carleton-Smith (born 1964)	11 June 2018	13 June 2022	4 years, 2 days
42		Sanders, PatrickGeneral Sir Patrick Sanders (born 1966)	13 June 2022	15 June 2024	2 years, 2 days
43		Walker, RolandGeneral Sir Roland Walker (born 1970)	15 June 2024	Incumbent	1 year, 68 days

Images for kids

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  Sir John French

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  Sir Charles Douglas

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  Sir James Wolfe Murray

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  Sir Archibald Murray

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  Sir William Robertson

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  Sir Henry Wilson

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  Rudolph Lambart, 10th Earl of Cavan

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  Sir George Milne

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  Sir Archibald Montgomery-Massingberd

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  Sir Cyril Deverell

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  John Vereker, 6th Viscount Gort

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  Sir Edmund Ironside

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  Sir John Dill

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  Bernard Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein

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  Sir William Slim

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  Sir John Harding

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  Sir Gerald Templer

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  Sir Francis Festing

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  Sir Edwin Bramall

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  Sir Peter Inge

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  Sir Charles Guthrie

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  Sir Roger Wheeler

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  Sir Michael Walker

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  Sir Mike Jackson

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  Sir Richard Dannatt

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  Sir David Richards

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  Sir Peter Wall

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  Sir Nick Carter

See also

• Chief of the Defence Staff
• First Sea Lord / Chief of the Naval Staff
• Chief of the Air Staff
• Deputy Chief of the General Staff