The most senior Anglican chaplain in each branch of the British Armed Forces (Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force) is made an archdeacon in the Church of England. Respectively they are titled the Archdeacon for the Royal Navy, the Archdeacon for the Army, and the Archdeacon for the Royal Air Force. As an archdeacon, he/she is styled The Venerable.
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Archdeacon for the Royal Navy
The Archdeacon for the Royal Navy is the senior Anglican chaplain of the Royal Navy Chaplaincy Service. Since 2012, this has been Ian Wheatley.
Until 1998, the most senior Anglican chaplain had also be head of the Chaplaincy Service as the Chaplain of the Fleet. Since then, chaplains from other denominations have also been able to be appointed Chaplain of the Fleet but when an Anglican becomes head he/she holds both appointments concurrently.
Archdeacon for the Army
The Archdeacon for the Army is the senior Anglican chaplain of the Royal Army Chaplains' Department (RAChD), British Army. Since 2011, this has been Peter Eagles.
Until 1987, the most senior Anglican chaplain had also be head of the RAChD as its Chaplain General. Since then, chaplains from other denominations have also been able to be appointed Chaplain General but when an Anglican becomes head he/she holds both appointments concurrently.
Archdeacon for the Royal Air Force
The Archdeacon for the Royal Air Force is the most senior Anglican chaplain of the Royal Air Force Chaplains Branch. He/she also holds the position of Principal Anglican Chaplain. Since 2014, this has been Jonathan Chaffey.
Until 2006, the most senior Anglican chaplain had also be head of the Chaplains Branch as its Chaplain-in-Chief. Since then, chaplains from other denominations have also been able to be appointed Chaplain-in-Chief but when an Anglican becomes head he/she holds all three appointments concurrently.