Marshal of the Royal Air Force (MRAF) is the highest rank in the Royal Air Force. In peacetime it was granted to RAF officers in the appointment of Chief of the Defence Staff, and to retired Chiefs of the Air Staff, who were promoted to it on their last day of service. Promotions to the rank have ceased since the British defence cuts of the 1990s. While surviving Marshals of the RAF retain the rank for life, the highest rank to which officers on active service are promoted is now Air Chief Marshal. Although general promotions have ceased, further promotions to Marshal of the Royal Air Force are still possible in wartime and also for members of the Royal Family and certain other very senior officers in peacetime at the discretion of the Monarch.