Leading the Defence Staff in the US

Major General P Gilchrist CB (Late The Royal Tank Regiment) replaced Rear Admiral A K Dymock CB as Head of the British Defence Staff, Washington wef 28 October 2005.

Major General Peter Gilchrist was commissioned into the Royal Tank Regiment in 1972, serving at every level from Troop Leader to Commanding Officer. Following attendance in the Long Armour Infantry Course, Division 2 at Shrivenham and Staff College, he became Brigade Major of 20 Armoured Brigade. On promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, he completed a tour on the Directing Staff at the Royal Military College of Science before taking command of the First Royal Tank Regiment.

After command, he attended the Higher Command and Staff Course in 1996 and then became Deputy Director Operational Requirements (Armour and Combat Support Vehicles). Promoted to Brigadier, he became Programme Director Armoured Systems in the Procurement Executive in April 1998. Promoted to Major General in January 2000, he took up the appointment of Executive Director 2 in the Defence Procurement Agency and the Master General of the Ordnance on the Army Board. He was also Deputy Colonel Commandant of the Royal Tank Regiment and Commandant of the Royal Armoured Corps.

He was appointed a Non-Executive Director of the Defence Scientific and Technical Laboratory in January 2002. He was appointed CB in the 2004 New Year’s Honours List and made Technical Director DPA in April 2004. In November 2004 he was appointed Deputy Commanding General Combined Forces Command Afghanistan, an appointment he held until August 2005 for which he was awarded the US Bronze Star.

He is married with two children, a daughter and son at university. His interests include sailing and field sports