Chief of Defence Force (Singapore)

Chief of Defence Force
Incumbent
Vice-Admiral Aaron Beng
since 24 March 2023
Singapore Armed Forces
TypeCommanding general
AbbreviationCDF
Reports toMinister for Defence
SeatArmed Forces Council[1]
NominatorPrime Minister of Singapore
AppointerPresident of Singapore
PrecursorChief of the General Staff
Formation
  • 1974; 50 years ago (1974)
    (Chief of the General Staff)
  • 1990; 34 years ago (1990)
    (Chief of Defence Force)
First holderLieutenant-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]

  1. ^ a b Singapore Armed Forces Act (Cap. 295, 2000 Rev. Ed.) Section 10A. Retrieved 10 March 2011.
  2. ^ "SAF Military Ranks - Officers". Singapore Ministry of Defence. 24 April 2010. Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 4 March 2011. The Chief of Defence Force holds the rank Lieutenant-General (LG) and Service Chiefs hold the rank of Major-General (MG).