New Joint Forces

Air Marshal Sir Stuart Peach is to become the first head of the UK's Joint Forces Command (JFC), it has been announced.

The JFC is due to be set up next year following recommendations by Lord Levene's Defence Reform Unit (DRU), and is due to be fully operational by April 2013.

Sir Stuart will be in charge of

military areas that concern all three armed forces as he spearheads the promotion of greater 'jointery' across the forces, as called for by the DRU.

Air Marshal Peach, currently Chief of Joint Operations, will become the first Commander Joint Forces Command (JFC) in December after being promoted to Air Chief Marshal.

The composition of the JFC and the location of its headquarters are set to be announced next month

The MoD has said it will be responsible for "commanding and generating allocated joint capabilities from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force" and will "take the lead on joint warfare development".

An implementation team is working to allow the JFC to begin work in April 2012, when a small headquarters will be in place and the first organisations will have transferred to the new JFC budget.

"The creation of the Joint Forces Command represents a tremendous opportunity for the UK armed forces to deliver effective capability for the challenges that lie ahead," said Air Marshal Peach.

"I look forward to working for defence to deliver, within my Command, the very best from Her Majesty's Armed Forces."

Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir David Richards said: "Lord Levene's recommendations focused on strategic planning and operations and the establishment of Joint Forces Command will align authority and responsibility.

"The JFC is a key part of this process by ensuring we continue to develop close working relationships between the three services and I warmly welcome Air Marshal Peach as its commander.