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New heads of armed forces named New head of British Army is named
(19 minutes later)
The commander-in-chief of British land forces, Gen Sir David Richards, is to become head of the Army, the Ministry of Defence has said. A former commander of Nato forces in Afghanistan who has suggested more troops should be sent to the country is to become head of the British Army.
He will replace Gen Sir Richard Dannatt, who has been in the top post since August 2006. Gen Sir David Richards will replace Gen Sir Richard Dannatt, who has been in the top post since 2006, in August.
Gen Richards has long been tipped for the top Army job. Gen Richards is currently the British land forces' commander-in-chief.
Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope will become the new head of the Royal Navy, while the new head of the RAF is to be Air Marshal Stephen Dalton. Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope is to become head of the Royal Navy, and Air Marshal Stephen Dalton will take charge of the RAF. Both moves will happen next July.
BBC defence correspondent Caroline Wyatt says Gen Richards is widely seen as one of the UK's most impressive commanders in recent years. BBC defence correspondent Caroline Wyatt says Gen Richards is widely seen as one of the UK's most impressive commanders in recent years and has long been tipped for the top Army job.
In a BBC interview this week, Gen Richards said there was a case for more troops to be sent to Afghanistan, but not necessarily from the UK.In a BBC interview this week, Gen Richards said there was a case for more troops to be sent to Afghanistan, but not necessarily from the UK.
The government has currently ruled out increasing the British presence there.The government has currently ruled out increasing the British presence there.
Between 2006 and 2007, Gen Richards was in charge of 35,000 troops, which made up the 37-nation International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.Between 2006 and 2007, Gen Richards was in charge of 35,000 troops, which made up the 37-nation International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.
He told the BBC: "I think militarily there is a case for more troops, they don't all have to come by any means from the UK.He told the BBC: "I think militarily there is a case for more troops, they don't all have to come by any means from the UK.
"Nato ISAF nations between them have a large number of troops, so I think perhaps we would be looking at others in the first instance." "Nato Isaf nations between them have a large number of troops, so I think perhaps we would be looking at others in the first instance."
'Spy' trial evidence'Spy' trial evidence
His appointment is part of a wider reshuffle at the top of the Armed Forces.His appointment is part of a wider reshuffle at the top of the Armed Forces.
Sir Mark will become First Sea Lord, taking over from Admiral Sir Jonathon Band.Sir Mark will become First Sea Lord, taking over from Admiral Sir Jonathon Band.
Air Marshal Dalton will step into the role of Chief of the Air Staff, replacing Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy.Air Marshal Dalton will step into the role of Chief of the Air Staff, replacing Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy.
In an unusual move earlier this year, the Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, was extended in his post until 2011.In an unusual move earlier this year, the Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, was extended in his post until 2011.
Gen Richards has been giving evidence at the Old Bailey this week in the trial of a British corporal accused of spying for Iran.Gen Richards has been giving evidence at the Old Bailey this week in the trial of a British corporal accused of spying for Iran.
As commander-in-chief of land forces since February, he oversees training and equipment for current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.