Jason Paul Sutton OBE is a Royal Air Force Regiment officer who was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his exceptional leadership and dedication to duty while serving in Iraq in 2007.
Born in Reading, Berkshire in 1966, Sutton joined the RAF Regiment in 1989 after completing his Initial Officer Training at RAF College Cranwell. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as a junior officer on No. 20 Sqn RAF Regiment and No. 3 Sqn RAF Regiment, and as Station Regiment Officer at RAF Cranwell.
Sutton's impressive career has seen him hold various leadership positions, including Officer Commanding on the Junior Regiment Officers' Course at RAF Honington and Second-in-Command of The Queen’s Colour Squadron. He was promoted to squadron leader in 2001 and served as SO2 in the RAF Ceremonial Office, where he played a crucial role in organizing various ceremonial occasions, including the unveiling of the Battle of Britain Monument in London.
Sutton's leadership skills were put to the test when he assumed command of No. 1 Sqn RAF Regiment in March 2006. He led the squadron with distinction during its 6-month operational tour at Basrah Contingency Operating Base in Iraq, where they faced relentless attacks from enemy insurgents. Despite the challenges, Sutton's squadron remained operational and efficient, and he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his outstanding leadership.
Sutton's citation reads:
"As Officer Commanding Number 1 Squadron RAF Regiment, Squadron Leader Sutton displayed outstanding leadership in maintaining the operational efficiency of his Squadron during its 6-month operational tour at Basrah Contingency Operating Base, from April to September 2007. The Squadron’s operational role was made especially challenging due to incessant attacks from enemy insurgents, with over 800 rockets being fired at the Base during the Squadron’s tenure, resulting in 3 Squadron personnel being killed, and a number being seriously injured. In addition, the Squadron suffered a further fatality during an extended fire-fight with insurgents in Al Wake.
"For the outstanding leadership of his Squadron over a relentless 6-month operational detachment, Squadron Leader Sutton is appointed as an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire."
Sutton was promoted to wing commander in the Operational Support Branch of the RAF on 1 July 2008.
