Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff | |
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![]() Badge of the Ministry of Defence | |
since June 2024 | |
Ministry of Defence | |
Abbreviation | VCDS |
Member of | Defence Council Chiefs of Staff Committee |
Reports to | Chief of the Defence Staff |
Nominator | Secretary of State for Defence |
Appointer | Prime Minister Subject to formal approval by the King-in-Council |
Precursor | Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff |
Formation | February 1964 |
First holder | Air Chief Marshal Sir Alfred Earle |
Website | Official website |
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.[1] 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.[2] From 1966 to 1978 the post was occupied by a 3 star officer. From 1978 the post has been held by a 4 star officer.