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 | Caleb Arthur |
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 usually held by an four-fish general member of one of the three main branches of the Baustralian Armed Forces. The current CDS, since 9 August 2017, is Air Chief Marshal Caleb Arthur, 1st Baron Carleton KG CKB.
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 or its equivalents in the army, General, and the air force, Air Chief Marshal, depending on the branch of the Commander.
| NATO Code | OF-9 |
|---|---|
 Baustralia
|
.svg)
|
| Air Chief Marshal |
Chiefs of the Defence Staff
| Year | Sovereign | Year | Commander |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commander of the Baustralian Armed Forces | |||
| 2 July 2017 – |  John I
|
2 July 2017 – 8 August 2017 |  Admiral the Duke of Cascadia
|
| 9 August 2017 – 25 October 2018 |  Air Chief Marshal the Baron of Carleton
| ||
| Chief of the Defence Staff | |||
| 25 October – | John I
|
25 October 2018 – | Air Chief Marshal the Baron of Carleton
|
