Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether there is a minimum level of operational experience required to hold the position of Chief of the Defence Staff following the establishment of the Military Strategic Headquarters.

The Chief of the Defence Staff is chosen through a highly rigorous selection process to ensure the most suitable and qualified candidate for the role. This will continue to be the case.

Operational experience is one of the criteria for eligible candidates, along with the requisite leadership and management credentials.