Lieutenant General Sharon Nesmith starts new role as Deputy Chief of the General Staff

Lieutenant General Sharon Nesmith has taken up the role of Deputy Chief of the General Staff (DCGS).

In doing so she becomes the first female British Army officer to hold the rank of Lieutenant General and occupy the prestigious role of the Army's deputy head.

The appointment was approved by the Queen when it was announced in April.

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It means she is the highest-ranked female officer in British Army history.

"I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the Deputy Chief of the General Staff at such a pivotal time for the British Army," Lt Gen Nesmith said.

She added: "I am excited to be playing my part in leading the Army’s mobilisation to meet today's threats, and the delivery of our Future Soldier's bold modernisation agenda."

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said he is "delighted" Lt Gen Nesmith has taken up the role.

"She brings extensive experience and new ideas to drive the Army's transformation and deal with emerging threats across the world," he said.

Maj Gen Nesmith became the Army's first female officer to command at two-star level, upon her appointment to General Officer Commanding (GOC) Army Recruiting and Initial Training Command in January 2021.

In her role as GOC, she oversaw the recruitment and training of more than 35,000 regular and reserve officers and soldiers across 280 courses each year, the Army said.