Chief of the Defence Staff (Bastara)

Chief of the Defence Staff
הויפּט פון די דיפנס סטאַף
Insignia of the Armed Forces
Incumbent Vacant
Bastaran Armed Forces Ministry of Defence
Type	Military Leader
Abbreviation	CDS
Member of	Chiefs of Staff Committee
Reports to	Prime Minister
Seat	Doiwood
Nominator	Defence Secretary
Appointer	Monarch
Term length	At His Majesty's Pleasure
Formation	10 June 2023
Deputy	Vice Chief

The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) is the professional head of the Bastaran Armed Forces and the most senior uniformed military adviser to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Prime Minister of Bastara. The chief of the defence staff is based at the Ministry of Defence and works alongside the ministry's staff and senior civil servants. The Chief of Defence is the highest ranking officer to currently serve in the armed forces.

The CDS usually ranks as a four star general, admiral or air marshal - depending on what branch they originate from.

The office is currently vacant.

Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the CDS include:

• Leading Defence
• Setting Strategy for Defence
• Leading Development of the Armed Forces
• Conducting Current Operations
• Leading Relations with Foreign Armed Forces
• Chairing the Chiefs of Staff Committee

Appointment

The CDS is appointed by the Monarch of Bastara. Candidates are nominated by the Secretary of State for Defence, subject to approval by the Prime Minister, but the final decision rests with the monarch.

They are typically appointed alongside their deputy - the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff.

Peerage

It is customary for outgoing CDS' to be awarded a life peerage and sit as a Lords Temporal in the House of Lords. The peerage they are awarded are created at the discretion of the monarch.

History

The office of CDS was established on 10 June 2023. It was officially constituted by the Armed Forces Decree.

See also

• Armed Forces of Bastara
• Prime Minister of Bastara
• Commander-in-Chief (Bastara)