Marching Contingent

Jon has had a distinguished career in both military and civilian roles, demonstrating leadership and expertise in a variety of demanding environments. Here is a summary of his professional background and contributions:

Military Career

To date Jon has served 33 years in the Military, 26 within the Regular Military and 7 in the Reserves.

Former Commando: as a British Commando Jon was a highly trained, elite soldier capable of performing specialised and demanding military operations across the globe. Commando’s are characterised by their rigorous training, versatility, and adherence to a strong set of core values.

Former Counterterrorism Specialist: Jon is a former Counterterrorism Specialist who served in a high-risk counter-terrorism unit, focusing on advise, assist, and accompany operations. These operations primarily took place in East and West Africa, where his specialised skills and experience were crucial to the success of operations integral to the United Kingdom’s counter-terrorism strategy, known as CONTEST.

Royal Marines Reserve Officer: Jon continues to serve in the Royal Marines Reserves, where he contributes his extensive knowledge and leadership. His ongoing commitment to the military allows him to apply the expertise he gained from high-risk operations to training and mentoring others, ensuring that the next generation of Royal Marines Reserves are well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern warfare. 

Civilian Mountain Expedition Leader: As a Mountain Leader Jon is a trained and qualified individual capable of safely leading groups in mountainous and remote areas. This role requires a blend of technical skills, environmental knowledge, and strong leadership abilities in order to ensure the safety and enjoyment of those he leads on expeditions.

Jungle Environment Expert: As a British Jungle Warfare Instructor who spent time teaching at the British Militaries Jungle Warfare School in Brunei Jon is a highly skilled and experienced military professional dedicated to teaching and leading operations and expeditions in jungle environments. This role is crucial in preparing people to operate effectively in some of the most challenging and hostile environments in the world. 

Led the First British Military Expedition on the Sandakan to Ranau Death March (2011): This historic trek retraced the notorious WW2 Death March route, showcasing his capability in leading complex expeditions. This expedition was the first to complete the verified route of the Death March in its entirety.

Expedition Leader to Borneo & Brunei (2013): Further solidifying his credentials in leading expeditions in difficult terrains and his reputation in jungle environments Jon led a group of teenagers into the jungles of Brunei and Sabah. 

Professional Career

International Partnerships Manager at the National Health Service (NHS): In this role, Jon provides healthcare technical consultancy services to overseas healthcare providers, specialising in emergency medicine. His work involves improving healthcare systems and practices internationally.

Contributions to Veteran Mental Health

The Integrated Veterans Mental Health & Wellbeing Service | Op Courage: Jon played a significant role in this service which is dedicated to supporting veterans’ mental health and wellbeing. He was the Programme Lead for a whole Service Re-write and Implementation in the North of England, spearheading the overhaul and implementation of Op Courage, and thus improving mental health services for 1000’s of veterans in the region.

Personal Drivers for Completing this Expedition:  

Jon’s Wife & Mental Health: Jon’s wife, Laura is currently diagnosed with incurable cancer which has led to him wondering what he can do to make a difference to those that are in similar circumstances. This experience has also had a significant impact on his mental health as, unlike prior to Laura’s prognosis, he has start to relive things from his past career in the Military.

Advocacy for Veterans: Understanding the need for better support for veterans during their transition to civilian life and for mental health support Jon is motivated to make a difference. This motivation led to the planning of “March for Nations” and, due to understanding the struggle that Wes has had over the years since his transition motivates him to raise awareness and support for these issues.

Jon’s blend of military and healthcare expertise, along with his commitment to veterans’ mental health, highlights his diverse skill set and dedication to service in both national defence and public health.