Calls for soldier to replace Sir Jock Stirrup as chief of armed forces

12 April 2012

Demands grew today for Britain's top soldier to be head of the armed forces amid speculation that Sir Jock Stirrup could retire early.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock, the current Chief of the Defence Staff, has faced criticism over equipment for troops in Afghanistan.

Critics say he is the wrong man to be leading Britain's armed services while the Army is doing most of the fighting against the Taliban.

A senior defence source said there were discussions in Whitehall over whether in future the CDS should normally be appointed from the Army.

Another Whitehall source said there was a view that a soldier should be CDS at least until 2014 as more resources are poured into the Army.

There was speculation that Sir Jock, who has been accused of being too close to the Government in the rows over equipment, could stand down early, before 2011, and be replaced by head of the Army, General Sir David Richards or Sir Nick Houghton, the vice-chief of the Defence Staff.

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