Chief of the Imperial General Staff (CIGS) was the title of the professional commander of the British Army from 1908 until 1964. From the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, the Sovereign was able to wrest considerable control of the armed forces from Parliament with the appointment of a "General in Chief Command" of the Army. This office evolved considerably both in title and duties. Until 1793 it was a non-statutory post called "General in Chief Command" and more frequently unofficially rendered as Commander-in-Chief of the Forces. Its incumbents were given varying commissions such as "Captain General". The latter title was also sometimes a rank, which can be loosely considered as a precursor to the Field-Marshal. 1904-1909, the title was the Chief of the General Staff. Since 1964, the title of the head of the Army has been Chief of the General Staff.
