Congratulations to our new Colonel Commandant, Lieutenant General Sir Charlie Collins KBE DSO
Published on May 1, 2026
The Rifles would like to take this opportunity to formally announce the appointment of our new Colonel Commandant, Lieutenant General Sir Charles Collins KBE DSO.
Commissioning into The Royal Green Jackets in 1995, he initially served with them in armoured and light infantry roles. His early service was spent in Northern Ireland, Germany, and the United Kingdom with deployments to the Balkans, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
He commanded 5 RIFLES in Germany, followed by 7th Infantry Brigade (The Desert Rats), and 1 (UK) Division and most recently he led the Standing Joint Headquarters.
Additionally, General Charlie was the Military Assistant to the Commander of NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, Chief of Staff of 1 (UK) Division, Assistant Chief of Staff Plans at the Permanent Joint Headquarters, as well as the Assistant Chief of the General Staff.
General Charlie is currently the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Military Strategy and Operations).
The Rifles would also like to thank the outgoing Colonel Commandant, Lieutenant General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes KCB CBE and wishes him all the very best for the future.
Swift and Bold.