British Army announces three senior leadership appointments in modernisation drive

The British Army has announced three senior leadership appointments as it continues its drive to modernise the force and improve the Army's offer to Nato. 

The appointments include a new 3-star Commander Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, who will focus on the Army's principal contribution to Nato; a newly titled 3-star Commander Land Forces with a global remit for operations, training and warfare development; and a newly appointed 3-star Deputy Chief of the General Staff, who will be the personnel lead for the Army. 

These officers will have direct responsibilities to the Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, and the Supreme Allied Commander Europe in Nato, General Alexus G Grynkewich, and the Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Roly Walker. 

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BFBS Forces News has taken a deeper look at the three personnel who have been promoted to their new positions and how it impacts the UK's relationship with Nato.

Lieutenant General Mike Elviss

Lieutenant General Mike Elviss is set to succeed Lieutenant General Sir Ralph Wooddisse as Commander Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) later this month. 

Lt Gen Elviss is transitioning from his role as Commander Field Army to take command of ARRC, underscoring the Army's commitment to continuity at a time of strategic importance. 

Before he became Commander Field Army in March 2024, he served as Chief of Staff (Operations) at the Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood.

"It's a huge privilege to be selected as COMARRC at such a critical and exciting time, as the UK begins to meaningfully deliver on its commitments as one of Nato's Strategic Reserve Corps," Lt Gen Elviss said. 

During his time as Commander Field Army, he put an emphasis on doubling the Field Army's fighting power and lethality. 

He equipped soldiers with cutting-edge technology and made the force stronger, leaner and more agile to meet the challenges of modern warfare. 

His work as Commander ARRC will take place at Imjin Barracks in Gloucestershire. 

The appointment comes as the alliance focuses on reinvigorating its corps-level warfighting, and his leadership will be crucial in advancing the UK's role as a leader in Nato. 

"The security environment doesn't stand still, and neither can we," Armed Forces Minister Al Carns said. 

"Appointing Lieutenant General Mike Elviss as COMARRC is a clear signal to the UK's commitment to Nato – not just in words, but in the quality of leadership we're putting forward. 

"He takes command of a corps that is sharper and more lethal than ever, and he has the experience and the drive to keep it that way."

Mr Carns also paid tribute to Lt Gen Sir Ralph. 

Lieutenant General Zac Stenning 

Lieutenant General Zac Stenning, currently the Director of Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (CSOC), will assume the newly titled role of Commander Land Forces. 

The name change reflects the Army's focus on being able to scale and adapt to the demands of modern warfare. 

In this role, Lt Gen Stenning, who is a former Commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, will help prepare and generate land forces at home and across the globe. 

Lt Gen Stenning said he was "honoured" and "excited" to be taking on the role. 

"I look forward to accelerating the modernisation of our land forces in support of defence through the integration of advanced technology, innovative tactics, and the dedication of our brilliant soldiers and officers," he added. 

"Together, we will deliver the most capable land forces wherever our nations needs its Army."

He will lead training and warfare development across the entire Army, ensuring it remains at the forefront of modern military capability. 

Lieutenant General Simon Hamilton 

Lieutenant General Simon Hamilton has been appointed as Deputy Chief of General Staff, succeeding Lieutenant General Sir David Eastman.

Lt Gen Hamilton will lead the Army's Force Design, looking over the Army's personnel and capabilities, to ensure soldiers are equipped to fight and win. 

He will continue to work with the defence industry through the newly created National Armaments Director Group, driving investment in a modernised force that uses survivable, autonomous and disposable attack systems. 

"It is an enormous privilege to have been appointed to this role," Lt Gen Hamilton said. 

The British Army and Nato 

The British Army is reinforcing the ARRC, which acts as Nato's principal warfighting formation, with both the 1st and 3rd divisions set to come under its operational command. 

This latest move shows the Army's commitment to strengthening Nato's collective defence and enhancing its ability to respond to emerging threats. 

ARRC, which is under the direct command of SACEUR, is run by 450 staff from 21 Nato allies. 

Its headquarters command significant fighting power in the form of corps-level enablers, including aviation, engineers, logistics, signals, and air defence, and routinely commands both divisions for training and warfighting purposes. 

Military police and medics will soon come under ARRC's command.