pɹˈaɪɚ tə nˈaɪntiːnhˈʌndɹɪd fˈɪfti ˈeɪt ðɛɹwˌʌz nˈoʊ sˌiːdˌiːˈɛf ɔːɹ ɪkwˈɪvələnt; ɐ tʃˈiːfs ʌv stˈæf kəmˈɪɾi kˈɑːsk ɛɡzˈɪstᵻd bˌʌt nˈoʊ sˈɛpɹət pəzˈɪʃən wʌz ɪstˈæblɪʃt æz ɪts sˈiːnjɚɹ ˈɑːfɪsɚ.
Prior to 1958 there was no CDF or equivalent; a Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) existed but no separate position was established as its senior officer.