Chief of Defence Force | |
---|---|
since 24 March 2023 | |
Singapore Armed Forces | |
Type | Commanding general |
Abbreviation | CDF |
Reports to | Minister for Defence |
Seat | Armed Forces Council[1] |
Nominator | Prime Minister of Singapore |
Appointer | President of Singapore |
Precursor | Chief of the General Staff |
Formation |
|
First holder | Lieutenant-General Winston Choo |
The Chief of Defence Force is the head of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), who holds the rank of Lieutenant-General or Vice-Admiral.[2] The Chief of Defence Force also serves as the aide-de-camp to the president of Singapore. The current Chief of Defence Force is Aaron Beng.
The position was created in 1974 as Chief of the General Staff, before changing to its current name in May 1990. The first holder of the position was Winston Choo.
The president of Singapore has the power to appoint the Chief of Defence Force, as well as the four service chiefs in the SAF, on the advice of the prime minister, who must consult with the Armed Forces Council (AFC).[1]
The Chief of Defence Force holds the rank Lieutenant-General (LG) and Service Chiefs hold the rank of Major-General (MG).