Chief of the Defence Staff (Baustralia)
| Chief of the Defence Staff | |
|---|---|
 Badge of the Baustralian Armed Forces | |
 Command flag of the CDS | |
| His Majesty's Baustralian Armed Forces | |
| Type | Role |
| Abbreviation | CDS |
| Precursor | Ministry of National Defence |
| Formation | 9 August 2017 |
| First holder | ACM Lord Carleton |
The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) is the second-most senior member of the Baustralian Armed Forces (after the commander-in-chief) having primary responsibility for command, control, and administration of the forces, as well as military strategy, plans, and requirements. The position is held by a five-fish general member of one of the three main branches of the Baustralian Armed Forces. The current CDS, since 1 January 2022, is Admiral of the Fleet Lord Wooler.
The role of the CDS is to, under the advice of the Commander-in-Chief may conscript citizens. On his own authority, he may give orders on force-wide levels, for example, where to battle during a conflict.
Rank insignia
The rank insignia of the CDS is of an Admiral of the Fleet or its equivalent in the army, Field Marshal, depending on the branch of the Commander.
| 2022–present | 2017 - 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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 Admiral of the Fleet
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 Field Marshal
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Admiral
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General
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Chiefs of the Defence Staff
| Year | Sovereign | Year | Commander |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commander of the Baustralian Armed Forces | |||
| 2 July 2017 – |  John
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2 July 2017 – 8 August 2017 |  Admiral the Duke of Cascadia
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| 9 August 2017 – 25 October 2018 | Air Chief Marshal the Baron of Carleton | ||
| Chief of the Defence Staff | |||
| 25 October – | John
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25 October 2018 – 31 December 2021 | Air Chief Marshal the Baron of Carleton |
| 1 January 2022 – |  Admiral of the Fleet the Viscount of Wooler
| ||