A general who wants more troops in Afghanistan will be appointed as the next head of the British Army.

General Sir David Richards, who replaces General Sir Richard Dannatt, will take up his post as Chief of the General Staff in August 2009.

He will be succeeded as Commander-in-Chief Land Forces by Lieutenant General Peter Wall CBE, who will be promoted to the rank of general upon taking up his new appointment.

General Sir David believes 30,000 extra soldiers are needed in Afghanistan, including 5,000 more British troops in addition to the 8,000 already there.

He said recently: "I think militarily there is a case for more troops, they don't all have to come by any means from the UK.

"Nato Isaf nations between them have a large number of troops, so I think perhaps we would be looking at others in the first instance."

The Government has played down widespread expectation that the reduction in troops in Iraq next year would lead to an increase in reinforcements for Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan, where Britain's military presence is concentrated.

Speculation has been growing over the past month that "plain-speaking" General Sir Richard was planning early retirement.

Defence experts claim General Sir Richard was passed over for the top job of Chief of the Defence Staff after publicly highlighting the serious strains facing the Armed Forces and calling for improved pay for junior troops.

It has also been announced that Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope is to become the next head of the Royal Navy while Air Marshal Stephen Dalton will become the head of the Royal Air Force.

Both will take up their posts next July.

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