The UK’s chief of the defence staff Sir Jock Stirrup will step down from his post later this year, six months earlier than planned, following criticism about some of his decisions made as head of the armed forces.

The British Army chief has been strongly criticised for deploying troops without adequate equipment, expert civilian support or clear objectives, according to guardian.co.uk.

Stirrup earlier singled out problems with supplying enough combat body armour, desert combats and boots for frontline troops.

The timing of the army chief’s resignation will coincide with the end of the UK Government’s first Strategic Defence and Security Review since 1998.