Structure of the British Armed Forces in 1989 Rear admiral). The post of Commander British Forces Falkland Islands rotated between British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force 2-star rank flag officers (Major General, Rear admiral and Air vice-marshal). The Commander British Forces Hong Kong was a British Army Major General. The two local auxiliary defence forces were administered by the Hong Kong Government, but when called out would have come under the command of Commander British Forces: Structure of the British Armed Forces in 1989 At the end of the Cold War in 1989 the British Armed Forces structure was as follows: In 1989 the British Armed
Commander-in-chief of the British Armed Forces practice was discontinued in the 1990s, those who were appointed to the position of CDS (professional head of the Armed Forces) had been elevated to the most senior rank in their respective service (a five-star officer). The CDS, along with the Permanent Under Secretary, are the principal advisers to the departmental minister. The three services have their own respective professional chiefs (likewise four-star officers): the First Sea Lord who is also Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of the General Staff and the Chief of the Air Staff. From 1660 until 1904 the professional head of the Army was known