A Northumbrian has become the British Army's first female deputy chief of staff.
Lieutenant General Sharon Nesmith became the highest ranking female officer in the Army's history when she started her new role as Deputy Chief of the General Staff on Thursday August 11.
With it came a promotion from Lieutenant Major to Lieutenant General, making her the first female British Army officer to rise to that rank.
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The appointment was approved by the Queen and announced in April 2022.
Lieutenant General Nesmith, who was raised in Northumberland said: "I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the Deputy Chief of the General Staff at such a pivotal time for the British Army. I am excited to be playing my part in leading the Army’s mobilisation to meet today’s threats, and the delivery of our Future Soldier’s bold modernisation agenda."
Lieutenant General Nesmith, whose father served in the Royal Naval Reserve, joined the Royal Corps of Signals in 1992. She served in Germany, the Balkans and Iraq during her first decade in the army.
The Ministry of Defence adds: "Whilst in command she has been responsible for providing information and communication services, command support and capability development, in support of formation headquarters up to and including the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and the UK Joint Force Headquarters. Higher command appointments were the 1st (United Kingdom) Signal Brigade and General Officer Commander the Army Recruiting and Initial Training Command.
"Staff appointments have been focussed on capability development, resource planning and personnel. She has completed the Higher Command and Staff Course and is a graduate of the Major Projects Leadership Academy. She has served as Colonel Capability Plans in the Army Headquarters, the Head of Manning as a Brigadier, and the Director of Personnel as a Major General. She has also been the Senior Responsible Officer for the Armed Forces Recruiting Programme."
Lieutenant General Nesmith is the Master of Signals, a Colonel Commandant for the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and a Vice President for Army Football and Army Rugby.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "I am delighted that Sharon Nesmith has taken up her role as Deputy Chief of the General Staff. She brings extensive experience and new ideas to drive the Army’s transformation and deal with emerging threats across the world."
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