China and Russia threat means new Chief of Defence Staff should be from Royal Navy, former admirals say
China and Russia threat means new chief of defence staff should be from Royal Navy 4 February 2021 • 6:05am Military sources are calling for the next Chief of Defence Staff to have a naval background, such as First Sea Lord Tony Radakin The threats China and Russia pose to seas means the new chief of defence staff must be from the Royal Navy for the first time in 20 years, former admirals have said. It comes as speculation has begun to mount over who will replace General Sir Nick Carter, who is due to retire as Chief of the Defence Staff at the end of a three-year term in June.