He studied law at Christ's College, Cambridge, and graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in 1968; as per tradition, this was promoted to a Master of Arts (MA (Cantab)) degree.

[2] He was made the Chief of the General Staff's author for the first version of the British Military Doctrine and then went on to be assistant director in the Defence Policy Staff at the Ministry of Defence.

[2] He was made commander of an armoured brigade in Germany and then Director of Army Staff Duties.

[3] He was made Adjutant General in 2000, Commander-in-Chief, Land Command in 2003 and Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff in 2005.

[4] In July 2008 he was appointed as the Master Gunner, St James's Park.