Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff (VCDS) is the title of the deputy to the Chief of the Defence Staff, the professional head of the British Armed Forces. It is the second-most senior position within the British Armed Forces. The position was titled Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff before 1964.
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. <abbr>VCDS</abbr> is responsible for:
- Deputising for <abbr>CDS</abbr> (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 <abbr>SDSRs</abbr>
- (with <abbr>CDS</abbr>) conduct of the military strategic dialogue
List of Vice Chiefs of the Defence Staff
These are:
References