WATCH: What Does It Take To Be Head Of Britain's Armed Forces?

General Lord Richards: "Some of the stupidities that we all saw in Afghanistan will not have been because of military men, but because of politicians interfered in our domain."

The head of the UK’s armed forces should have the authority to command the three service chiefs, says former Chief of the Defence Staff, General Lord Richards.

However, he goes on to tell us that it is not always that easy.

He spoke to Forces News' before General Sir Nick Carter's appointment as the new CDS and told Charlotte Banks that during his time in post the inability to give orders to the Heads of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force led to "inefficiencies" and "confused priorities".

General Carter has been appointed as the new Chief of the Defence Staff, taking over from Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach who is becoming Chairman of the NATO Military Committee.

What does the CDS actually do?

General Lord Richards said:

"I think in essence it's all about coordianting the work of the Armed Forces, it is representing the Armed Forces primarily within the political domain.

"You are a member of the National Security Council and you are the Prime Minister's primary defence advisor, and then you are in charge of all operations at a strategic level."

But the best part of the job? Getting to meet Her Majesty the Queen twice a year!

But how much power does the Chief of the Defence Staff have when it comes to the big decisions?

General Lord Richards believes that the CDS has relatively little:

"Some of the stupidities that we all saw in Afghanistan will not have been because of military men but because of politicians interfered in our domain."

He recalls telling former Prime Minister David Cameron that "a year in the CCF (Combined Cadet Force) at Eton does not qualify you to take tactical decisions in Afghanistan!"

How is the CDS selected?

It is believed that the Prime Minister will be holding interviews, even though she will already know some of the candidates. 

Theresa May could as well receive recommendations from other members of her staff.

And... How long until we see a female CDS?

General Lord Richards believes it is only a matter of time and as a father of two daughters, he said:

"If she's out there, let's see her! Go for it!"