Britain's Ministry of Defense says Gen. David Richards, currently the head of the British Army, will become Chief of the Defense Staff in October, AP reported. The post is Britain's most senior military commander. Richards, a former NATO commander in Afghanistan, is taking over from Air Chief Marshal Jock Stirrup, who is leaving the top position six months early. Stirrup was appointed by Britain's previous Labour government, which lost power in May's general election to a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition. Prime Minister David Cameron congratulated Richards on his appointment and thanked Stirrup who he said «served with real distinction.» The defense ministry said Wednesday that it hasn't been decided who will take over from Richards in the army. -- SPA
