The outgoing head of the armed forces is to join the House of Lords, it has been announced.
Downing Street said Air Chief Marshall Sir Jock Stirrup was being awarded a non-political life peerage.
Sir Jock is due formally to stand down as Chief of the Defence Staff at the end of this week, with General Sir David Richards taking his place.
Sir Jock became head of the armed forces in 2006, and had been due to remain in the post until next April.
However, his departure was brought forward by Defence Secretary Liam Fox after the coalition took power - although he denied sacking the former fighter pilot.
Elevation to the Lords is an honour regularly granted to former Chiefs of the Defence Staff.
Prime Minister David Cameron said he was "extremely pleased" that Sir Jock would be joining the Upper House.
"I applaud him for his excellent leadership throughout his time as CDS, which has seen a particularly demanding tempo of activity including the withdrawal from Iraq and ongoing operations in Afghanistan," he said.
"I also want to thank him for the considered advice and remarkable support he has provided to me as we worked together on critical issues, in particular the Strategic Defence and Security Review."
Dr Fox said: "This is appropriate recognition for the dedication he has shown in public life and his contribution to the armed forces."
