Who Dares Wins: Guthrie served with the SAS

Edward Heathcoat Amory described Sir Charles as "supine", adding that "Tony's crony general" should have opposed the plans - but he chose not to as he is looking forward to a peerage.

Prime Minister Tony Blair was furious, describing the attack as "disgraceful" on a man who cannot defend himself, showing the desperation of the political right.

The general has stood by the new force, sternly insisting it would strengthen Nato rather than make it weaker.

Born in 1938, Sir Charles rose through the ranks of the army after starting at the top military training college in Sandhurst.

Field Marshal Sir Peter Inge, Guthrie's predecessor

As well as the SAS, with which he served in Aden, the Gulf, Malaysia and East Africa, has served with the Welsh Guards in Cyprus, Germany and Northern Ireland.

But his appointment as chief of defence staff in April 1997, did not go down smoothly in the armed services, replacing, as he did, another soldier, Field Marshal Sir Peter Inge.

The move confirmed the collapse of what was called "Buggin's turn", the system of rotating the top job through the three services.

Michael Portillo, Secretary for Defence at the time, defended his decision, saying it had been taken "entirely on merit".

Last February Sir Charles found himself embroiled in a more public controversy, after he had allegedly expressed misgivings about plans to launch air strikes on Iraq.

Root out racism

He was forced to issue a statement, making plain his support for the government's threats of attacking Saddam Hussein.

Ceremonial duties are a big part of his current job and Sir Charles played a high-profile role in Britain's withdrawal from Hong Kong in June 1997.

As commander of the Hong Kong British forces, he joined the then Governor, Chris Patten, in the formal retreat aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia.

As chief of the defence staff, Sir Charles is also one of the few senior military figures to survive last year's slimmed-down arrangements for the Queen's annual state opening of Parliament.

Aside from his current Kosovo duties, he is involved in the day-to-day running and planning for the three services.

Last year he committed to a five-year agreement with the Commission for Racial Equality, to root out racism from the armed forces.

Sir Charles is married with two children, and, outside of work, is said to be a keen skier, horse rider and tennis player.

He will be replaced by Admiral Sir Michael Boyce, 57, in February.