From REME engineer to Chief of Defence Logistics: Phil Prosser named next CDLS
Major General Phil Prosser will become the next Chief of Defence Logistics and Support (CDLS) in October, taking over the MOD's senior uniformed support role with promotion to lieutenant general.
He has held roles across Army Headquarters, Field Army, and Defence Equipment & Support, as well as across wider defence.
The Chief of Defence Logistics and Support (CDLS) is the senior uniformed role at the heart of defence support.
An engineer's route to the top
Maj Gen Prosser was commissioned into the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) in 1992 and completed an in-service mechanical engineering degree.
His early service included postings with 5 Airborne Brigade Logistic Battalion, 19 Regiment Royal Artillery Workshop and 5 Battalion REME, with deployments to Kosovo and Iraq.
As a major, he commanded 8 Field Company (Para) in 16 Air Assault Brigade, deploying on Operation Herrick 4 and 8, and later served as Deputy Chief of Staff of 4 Mechanized Brigade on Operation Herrick 12.
He later commanded 1 Close Support Battalion REME in Catterick, before moving into Defence Equipment & Support in a role responsible for in-service support to most Army vehicles, with a focus on support strategy and the use of data in decision-making.
Command during Covid
Maj Gen Prosser's profile rose during the Covid-19 response, when he was commander of 101 Logistic Brigade and deployed to support the national effort to move essential kit to the NHS.
In March 2020, the MOD said troops from the brigade delivered more than 50,000 face masks to St Thomas' Hospital in London, with Maj Gen Prosser saying: "This is more than just delivering masks – this is a demonstration the British Army is standing side by side with the NHS."
What the role entails
CDLS heads up the Defence Support organisation under the National Armaments Director group, with responsibility for implementing the Defence Support Strategy, providing strategic military logistics and support advice.
Put simply, the job is about keeping UK forces ready and sustained: driving performance across defence logistics, engineering and equipment support, and coordinating the system that moves people, fuel, spares and materiel to where it's needed.
Succeeding Vice Admiral Andy Kyte
Maj Gen Prosser will succeed Vice Admiral Andy Kyte as CDLS.
VAdm Kyte said: "Phil Prosser's appointment as the next Chief of Defence Logistics and Support is awesome news, and I am delighted that he will be taking over from me.
"Phil brings an innate appreciation of the support challenges defence faces in delivering against the Strategic Defence Review ambition and in recovering our warfighting readiness, and is supremely well-placed to lead the modernisation that is required."
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