Head of British Army expected to stand down next year after short stint in job
The head of the British Army is expected to stand down next year, with the Ministry of Defence reportedly set to begin interviewing for his replacement.
General Sir Patrick Sanders only became Chief of the General Staff in June 2022, an appointment that normally lasts around three years.
It is understood the recruitment process to replace him will take around 18 months.
An Army spokesperson said: "We are unable to comment on speculation surrounding the next Chief of the General Staff."
Gen Sir Patrick took up the role of Chief of the General Staff at a critical time for the Army and has spoken out against cuts to the numbers of serving personnel and been critical of the "decades of disinvestment" in technology and kit.
In January he told the military that "Ukraine needs our tanks and guns now" but acknowledged it will leave the Army "temporarily weaker".
General Sanders started his military career in 1986 and was commissioned into The Royal Green Jackets.
He spent his early career on Regimental Duty in Germany, Norway and the UK, before commanding at company, battalion, brigade and divisional level – including on operations in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.
His staff appointments have all been in operational and strategic roles, including as policy/military adviser for the Commander of Coalition Forces in Iraq in 2003 and 2004, Head Operations (Military) and Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Operations) in the Ministry of Defence.
He was promoted to general in May 2019 before taking over as Commander Joint Forces Command, managing the organisation's move to Strategic Command.
In May, Gen Sir Patrick carried the sceptre to the altar at Westminster Abbey for King Charles' coronation ceremony.
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