Buster Howes

Howes was educated at Christ's Hospital, an independent school in Horsham, West Sussex. He studied chemistry at the University of York, graduating with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. He completed a Master of Arts (MA) degree in strategic studies at the University of London.[2][3]

Howes was commissioned into the Royal Marines in 1982.[3] He became a troop commander in 42 Commando and had his first posting to Northern Ireland. After training as a Mountain Leader, he transferred to 45 Commando.[3] He served in the Gulf War while on secondment to the USMC. He served as a planner in the Rapid Reaction Force Operations Staff of UNPROFOR during the Bosnian War in 1995.[3]

Howes became Commanding Officer of 42 Commando (during the Iraq War) in 2003, Chief Joint Coordination and Effects in Headquarters ISAF in Afghanistan in 2007[4] and Director of Naval Staff later that year.[5] He went on to be Commander of 3 Commando Brigade in April 2008, Head of Overseas Operations in the Ministry of Defence in 2009 and Commandant General Royal Marines in February 2010.[3] He was Head of the British Defence Staff – US and Defence Attaché in Washington, D.C. from 2011 to 2015.[6][7]

In June 2020, Howes was appointed Chief Executive of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo after having served as a non-executive director of the organisation since 2015.[8]

Howes was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003.[2] He was appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in the 2013 Birthday Honours.[9]