General Steve Thull at NSPA in Capellen in September 2022; Credit: Chronicle.lu

Luxembourg's Directorate of Defence has announced upcoming changes at the head of the Luxembourg Army.

Having served as Chief of Staff of the Luxembourg Army since September 2020, General Steve Thull has announced that he wishes to exercise his right to retire as of 1 October 2026. By that time, he will have completed more than 39 years of service in the army and served as Chief of Staff for six years. Until then, General Thull will continue to fulfil his duties.

Luxembourg's Minister of Defence, Yuriko Backes, thanked the general for his "loyal service" and accepted his retirement request.

On Thursday 23 October 2025, the authorities launched the application and selection process for the next Chief of Staff. The Directorate of Defence noted that, given the current volatile and threatening geopolitical context, the Luxembourg Army is facing historic challenges. The future Chief of Staff will be responsible for continuing the army's ongoing transformation and giving fresh impetus to its modernisation, taking into account the evolving geopolitical situation, emerging technologies and societal changes.

The Chief of Staff is responsible for the administration of the Luxembourg Army and:

  • advises the Minister of Defence on military matters;
  • transposes the minister's political directives into military directives and instructions and ensures compliance;
  • organises the operation of the army, including the equipment, training, instruction, preparation and conditioning of army units and personnel;
  • at the international level, serves as a member of the Military Committee of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU).

In accordance with the amended law of 7 August 2023 on the organisation of the Luxembourg Army, the selected candidate will be appointed by the Grand Duke, on the proposal of the Government Council (cabinet), from among career military personnel in salary group A1 who have attained at least the military rank of lieutenant-colonel.