New head of British Army is named

Gen Richards' appointment is part of a wider reshuffle of senior posts

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.

Gen Sir David Richards will replace Gen Sir Richard Dannatt, who has been in the top post since 2006, in August.

Gen Richards is currently the British land forces' commander-in-chief.

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 and has long been tipped for the top army job.

Gen Sir David Richards Born 1952 Educated Eastbourne College, University College Cardiff Service includes time in Far East, Germany, East Timor, Sierra Leone Commanded Isaf troops in Afghanistan May 2006 - Feb 2007 Became Commander-in Chief Land Forces Feb 2008 Profile: Gen Sir David Richards Profile: Adm Sir Mark Stanhope Profile: AM Stephen Dalton

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.

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.

"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."

Wider reshuffle

As commander-in-chief of land forces since February, Gen Richards, 56, oversees training and equipment for current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The new heads of the RAF and Navy will take up their roles in July

He has been outspoken about the strains faced by Britain's armed forces and the need for better pay for junior troops.

Gen Richards has been giving evidence at the Old Bailey this week in the trial of an ex-British Army interpreter accused of spying for Iran.

His appointment is part of a wider reshuffle at the top of the Armed Forces which will see all three existing heads of service retire.

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.

Adm Stanhope will become First Sea Lord, taking over from Adm Sir Jonathon Band.

AM Dalton will step into the role of Chief of the Air Staff, replacing ACM Sir Glenn Torpy.

Lt Gen Peter Wall will succeed Gen Richards as commander-in-chief of land forces.

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