Army Headquarters (United Kingdom)


Army Headquarters is a British Army organisation based at Marlborough Lines, Hampshire. The equivalent in the Royal Navy is Navy Command Headquarters at Portsmouth and the equivalent in the Royal Air Force is Headquarters Air Command at High Wycombe.

History

Until 31 October 2011, British Army forces were commanded by a four star named Commander-in-Chief, Land Forces. Under a major army command reorganisation effective 1 November 2011, the Chief of the General Staff took direct command of the Army through a new structure known as Army Headquarters. Army Headquarters, which started to take responsibility for more than 2,000 military and civilian personnel, was established at Marlborough Lines near Andover.
The two main buildings constructed at Marlborough Lines were named as Blenheim and Ramillies.
Functions established at Marlborough Lines include elements of Home Command as well as Headquarters Field Army.

Structure

The British Army is now commanded by the Chief of the General Staff. Reporting to the Chief of the General Staff, on formation in 2011, were: the Deputy Chief of the General Staff, the Commander Land Forces, the Adjutant-General to the Forces and the Commander Force Development and Capability. At that time the Commander Land Forces was responsible for generating and preparing forces for current and contingency operations, the Adjutant-General to the Forces was responsible for developing the Army's personnel policies, recruiting and supporting its people, and the Commander Force Development and Capability was responsible for developing its capability, sustainability and doctrine.
Under the Army 2020 Command structure, there are four lieutenant-general posts reporting to the Chief of the General Staff: Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Commander Field Army, Commander Home Command and Commander Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.