Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Military Strategy and Operations)

Lieutenant General Roly Walker DSO

Biography

Lieutenant General Sir ‘Roly’ Walker was commissioned into the Irish Guards in 1993, and served with the UK’s Special Forces from 1997. He commanded the Grenadier Guards in 2009, promoting to the General Staff four years later. 

He has commanded at company, squadron, battle group, brigade and SF group levels, variously in Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, Iraq, as well as joint command of operations across Europe, the broader Middle East, Africa and South America. On the Staff he has served in brigade, divisional, army and strategic HQs. 

He has been the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Military Strategy & Operations) at the MoD since April 2021, during which time he has been responsible for advising on and directing new operations to support the government’s response to Covid, the death of the late Duke of Edinburgh, the withdrawal from Kabul, the full scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II and coronation of King Charles III, numerous evacuation operations and most recently the Hamas attacks on Israel.

He was made a Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath in 2023, and a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order in 2010.

Married, with three daughters, he lives in Herefordshire.

His honorary roles include:

  • a member of the Honourable Artillery Company’s regimental council
  • President of the UK Armed Forces Equestrian Association

He is a member of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers.

Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Military Strategy and Operations)

Provide advice to ministers on the range of Defence operations and integrate with partners across government to deliver the UK’s national security objectives. Direct Defence operation strategies and shape the Defence activity in the role of Strategic headquarters. Work with allies and partners internationally to mitigate risks to the UK.

Responsibilities

  • directing operations at a strategic level on behalf of CDS.
  • lead the Defence Crisis Management Organisation
  • direct and provide oversight of UKSF operations and training on behalf of CDS.
  • provide military advice across Whitehall on domestic and overseas military strategy.
  • promote and articulate UK military interests, military strategy and operational priorities with international organisations, allies and partners.
  • chair the Strategic Effects and Force Alignment Board and Joint Commitments Strategic Steering Group to prioritise and harmonise high level Defence activity.
  • lead and motivate military officers and civil servants in Sec Pol & Ops.

Ministry of Defence