Neil Sutherland joined the Royal Marines in 1991. Served as a Troop Commander in 43 Commando, Royal Marines. During his tour as a Rifle Troop Commander in 42 Commando, he served an operational tour in Northern Ireland. At the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, he was a Recruit Troop Commander and Company Second in Command. He trained as a Signals Officer assigned to 40 Commando serving in an operational deployment to West Africa.
He is a graduate of the Army Junior Command and Staff Course. Served a tour attached to the Army and earned a Master’s Degree. He then undertook an SO2 (Staff Officer Major’s Rank) appointment in Navy Command HQ, followed by the Advanced Command and Staff Course.
Returning to 42 Commando, he spent 2 years as OC (Commanding Officer) Kilo Company where he deployed to Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 5; for which he was awarded an MBE. An appointment then followed to HQ 3 Commando Brigade as SO2 G3 Plans.
Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 2008, he was appointed to the Permanent Joint Headquarters as the Operations Team Leader responsible for Counter Terrorism (Overseas) and Counter Piracy. He then served for 12 months as the Executive Assistant to the Second Sea Lord, before assuming command of 42 Commando on 26 January 2012. During these 2 years the Commando supported the 2012 Olympic Games and assumed the role of both the European Union Battle Group and Lead Commando Group.
Promoted to Colonel in 2014, he spent a short period at the Joint Services Command and Staff College as a Divisional Director on the Intermediate Command and Staff Course Land. He was then selected as Deputy Commander, 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines.
He assumed his current appointment as Royal Marine Attaché in the British Embassy Washington in July 2016.
Neil Sutherland is married to Val and they have a son, two daughters, a dog and a cat, although the cat is currently residing in the UK.
