‘Generation of innovators’ take over top ranks of Armed Forces
A “GENERATION of innovators” has been appointed to run the military in a shake-up of the top ranks of the Army, Navy and RAF.
Senior military sources said the newly promoted men were “innovators” who could ensure the Armed Forces would be fit to embrace new technology and a “reformist agenda”.
The new First Sea Lord, the head of the Navy, will be Tony Radakin, 53, who was promoted from Vice Admiral to Admiral in the process. Michael Wigston, 50, was named Chief of the Air Staff and promoted from Air Marshal to Air Chief Marshal.
Vice Admiral Timothy Fraser becomes Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, deputy to the head of the Armed Forces, while Lieutenant-general Patrick Sanders is promoted to General and appointed Commander Joint Forces Command, responsible for overall control of Britain’s Special Forces and other critical intelligence functions.
The raft of appointments is being heralded by Gavin Williamson, the Defence Secretary, as evidence of efforts being made to transform the military after years of swingeing cuts and a crisis over recruitment.
Mr Williamson said: “Forward-looking and keen to modernise the Armed Forces, these are the transformational leaders we need in these challenging times. The appointment of a new generation of commanders will ensure that Britain remains ready to face the threats of tomorrow and continues to be a major player on the world stage.”
Prof Michael Clarke, a senior fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, the defence and security think tank, praised the new appointments, saying the four were a “generation of innovators”.
He said: “All four are younger than you would imagine. All are innovators, noted for can-do attitudes and no great respecters of tradition. Their relative youth and transformative enthusiasm makes them stand out. Patrick Sanders… has the confidence to say what he thinks and is prepared to think heretical thoughts. He loves the idea of innovation and is not afraid to kick over things that get in the way of that.”
Prof Clarke said the MOD structure meant it takes a long time to bring new capabilities into service.
“The MOD is structured to deliver heavy metal and can’t cope with new problems like artificial intelligence and genetic engineering, all the things we are likely to see developed in the near future,” he said.
“There’s not enough space in the MOD budget for new technologies, even if they’re identified, and this is as attempt by Gavin Williamson to put a renewed verve into the transformative agenda in MOD.”
Sir Richard Barrons, a former general, said: “These new leaders will all be transformers if they are released to follow their visionary agendas.
“This is the right team of people with which the Secretary of State can reform defence and it is a bold, clever move by him to push these appointments.”
The Daily Telegraph understands that the Defence Secretary has been keen to bring in fresh ideas to the MOD.
“Gavin wants to be a transformer, not a caretaker,” a defence source said.
The four are expected to take up their appointments in spring 2019.