Colonel David Spink RM

In November 2023, Colonel David Spink assumed the role of Head Commando Force Futures within the Navy Develop Directorate, where he serves as the Royal Navy’s Capability Sponsor for Littoral Strike. In this capacity, he is responsible for the strategic development of Littoral Strike capabilities, including Commando Forces. His portfolio encompasses force design, the articulation of threat-informed capability requirements, and the advancement of applied concepts. He also leads the commissioning of research, development, and experimentation to enhance the operational effectiveness and warfighting edge of Littoral Strike and Commando Forces.

Colonel Spink joined the Royal Marines in 1992 at the age of 17. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has held a broad range of operational, command, and staff appointments at tactical, operational, and strategic levels. He has commanded at troop, company, and unit level, and has operated extensively in joint and multinational environments, including close collaboration with US, NATO, and Five Eyes partners. His early service included progression from Marine to Non-Commissioned Officer within frontline units of 3 Commando Brigade RM. He commissioned in 2000 following completion of officer training and a second Commando course. His operational experience includes multiple global deployments, with notable tours in Northern Ireland (Op BANNER), Iraq (Op TELIC), and Afghanistan (Op DAMIEN and Op HERRICK).

He has developed deep expertise in capability development and acquisition, with staff appointments at OF4 and OF5 level across Defence. These include HQ 3 Commando Brigade RM, the 2* COMUKAMPHIBFOR HQ, the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., the UK Permanent Joint Headquarters (as MA2 to the Chief of Joint Operations), Navy Command Headquarters, and the Ministry of Defence’s Finance and Military Capability (FMC) Joint Plans team. In these roles, he has contributed to the formulation of Defence policy, operational planning and execution, and the delivery of strategic capability outcomes.

Colonel Spink is a graduate of both the Intermediate Command and Staff Course (Land) and the UK Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC 19). He holds a Master of Arts in Defence Studies from King’s College London. He lives on the south coast with his wife, Sarah, and their two children. Outside of work, he maintains a keen interest in cycling and endurance sport, and remains resolutely committed to the relentless pursuit of marginal gains – however incremental they may be.