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Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff (United Kingdom)

Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff
General (Army)
General (Royal Marines)
Rank insignia of the incumbent as per branch
=
Incumbent
General Sir Gordon Messenger

since May 2016
Style Admiral
General
Air Chief Marshal
Inaugural holder Air Chief Marshal
Sir Alfred Earle

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. 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.

These were:


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Wikipedia

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