Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (Pakistan) explained

Post:	Deputy chief
Body:	Army Staff
Flag:	Flag of the Pakistani Army.svg
Flagborder:	yes
Type:	Principal staff officer
Abbreviation:	DCOAS
Reports To:	Vice Chief of the Army Staff
Seat:	GHQ, Rawalpindi
Termlength:	3 years,
Termlength Qualified:	Renewable once
First:	General Muzaffar Hussain Usmani
Unofficial Names:	Deputy Army Chief
Deputy:	Assistant Chief of the Army Staff

The Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (DCOAS) in Pakistan holds the rank of Lieutenant-General and serves as Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Pakistan Army. They report directly to the Vice Chief of the Army Staff and occupy a crucial three-star rank position. Assisting the Chief of Army Staff, the Deputy Chief of Army Staff holds the third most important military position in the Pakistan Army. Their responsibilities encompass strategic planning, decision-making, and the overall management of the army.

History

The position of Deputy Chief of Army Staff (DCOAS) in Pakistan had persisted since the era of the previous military ruler, Zia-ul Haq. It was first officially established in May 2001 as the Principal Staff Officer of the Pakistan army by then Chief Executive of Pakistan General Parvez Musharraf after the 1999 military takeover.

The post of the Deputy Chief of the army staff is the third most senior position and the appointment holder is a three-star general. To date, only one Deputy COAS has been appointed and that is Lt. General Muzaffar Hussain Usmani who was appointed as Deputy Chief on 3 May 2001 by then Chief executive and COAS General Pervez Musharraf.

During Usmani's time as Deputy COAS held the rank of a three-star general and occupied the second-highest military position in the Pakistan Army. Gen. Musharraf's decision to appoint him was seen as a means to consolidate his own authority and potentially pave the way for his ascension to the presidency of Pakistan. However, their relationship soured over time, leading to Lt. Gen. Usmani's removal from the position in 2002.^{[1] [2] [3]}

Appointees

Mentioned below is the only person to serve as Deputy Chief of Army Staff

See also

• Vice Chief of the Army Staff
• Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff
• Deputy Chief of the Air Staff

Notes and References

1. Web site: 2001-05-02 . Pakistan: Lt. Gen. Usmani appointed deputy chief of army staff . 2022-04-22 . Arab News . en.
2. Web site: Musharraf opens deputy chief post. The Washington Times.
3. Web site: Former Karachi corps commander's body found in city's DHA area . Tribune.com.pk . October 1, 2020. 2023-07-07.
4. News: Usmani named deputy army chief. 1 May 2001. en. Lt-Gen Usmani was commissioned in 1966 in an armoured infantry battalion. After four years of regimental duties he was posted to School of Infantry and Tactics, Quetta, as instructor. In 1974, he was posted to Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul, as Platoon and Company Commander. After promotion to the rank of colonel, he commanded two armoured infantry battalions, including a battalion in Saudi Arabia. As brigadier, he commanded an infantry as well as a mechanized brigade..