Jock Stirrup

Air Chief Marshal Sir Graham Eric Stirrup, GCB, AFC, DSc, FRAeS FCMI RAF (born 4 December 1949), commonly known as Sir Jock Stirrup, is the current British Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS).

Sir Jock was educated at Merchant Taylors' School and the RAF College Cranwell, where he received his commission in 1970. In the early 1970s, whilst on loan service with the Sultan of Oman’s Air Force, Stirrup flew Strikemasters in the Dhofar War.

From September 2001 to January 2002, Sir Jock was UK National Contingent Commander for operations against the Taliban in Afghanistan.

He served as Chief of the Air Staff from 1 August 2003 until 13 April 2006 and was appointed CDS on 28 April 2006.

Military Offices
Preceded by: J R Day	Air Officer Commanding No 1 Group 1997–1998	Succeeded by: J H Thompson
Preceded by: T I Jenner	Assistant Chief of the Air Staff 1998–2000	Succeeded by: P O Sturley
Preceded by: Sir Timothy Jenner	Deputy Commander-in-Chief Strike Command 2000–2002	Succeeded by: Sir Brian Burridge
Preceded by: Sir Peter Squire	Chief of the Air Staff 2003–2006	Succeeded by: Sir Glenn Torpy
Preceded by: Sir Michael Walker	Chief of the Defence Staff 2006–Present	Succeeded by: Current Incumbent