Chief of Defence People retires after 33 years in the Army

Lieutenant General James Swift OBE has retired from service.

In a post on Twitter, the Chief of Defence People (CDP) said it had been "an honour serving with such great people" for more than 33 years.

Since beginning his duties as CDP in February 2020, Lt Gen Swift had been responsible for the setting and assurance of people policies and processes in order to sustain the delivery of defence outputs.

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His role had a focus on incorporating the right mix of sufficient, capable and motivated people and he reported to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Permanent Secretary.

Lt Gen Swift was also a member of both the Executive and People Committees and attended the Defence Board as required.

Lt Gen Swift announced on social media: "As CDP, it has been a pleasure to work with the Defence People Team and the People Function to improve the lives of people across defence and enable them to serve.

"Good luck, keep up the good work."

He succeeded the position of Chief of Defence People from Lieutenant General Richard Nugee.

In September 1989, Lt Gen Swift was commissioned into the Royal Regiment of Wales, and during the conflict in Iraq, he served as the commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Welsh, for which he received an OBE in July 2008.

In May 2012, he became the commander of the 20th Armoured Brigade.

In December 2018, Lieutenant General Swift was the General Officer Commanding of the British Army's 3rd Division and worked as the Assistant Chief of the General Staff (ACGS) leading on corporate strategy.

He was the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) Head of Capability Strategy for the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review.

Dr Roger Hutton, former MOD Director of International Security, replied on social media: "All the best for the future, James."

Harjot Singh Gill said: "All the best in your new life, sir," with a salute emoji.

And Paul Baston tweeted: "All the best for the next chapter Sir, been an honour and pleasure to meet and serve with you."