Stuart Tootal

Colonel Stuart Tootal DSO OBE M Phil (cantab) MA BA (Hons)

The author of the Sunday Times best seller "Danger Close – Commanding 3 PARA in Afghanistan", Stuart Tootal was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his outstanding leadership of the 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment (3 PARA) in Afghanistan.

3 PARA were the first UK unit to be sent into the lawless province of Helmand in the south of the country in 2006. With 1,200 soldiers, 3 PARA held a disparate number of isolated district centres against relentless attack in an area that is now held by 30,000 NATO troops. Undermanned and lacking helicopters, resources were stretched to breaking point and 3 PARA became engaged in an intense level of combat not experienced by the British Army since the Korean War. The ferocity of the fighting was reflected in the award of over 32 gallantry decorations, including a posthumous Victoria Cross and George Cross.

Promoted to full Colonel on his return from Afghanistan, he resigned from a highly successful career in the Army in 2008 in protest over the poor treatment of his wounded. His resignation shocked many and attracted widespread media attention.

Stuart is now a global head of security in a blue chip company. He is a frequent media commentator on defence and security matters and has written numerous articles in the national press.

Stuart also regularly lectures on leadership to business organisations. His inspirational presentation style resonates with corporate audiences, as he draws on parallels with his commercial experience.

Stuart is the chairman of trustees of the Parachute Regiment Afghanistan Trust, a charity he set up to help wounded paratroopers. He is active in supporting other service charities and helps to raise charitable funds through the proceeds of many of his talks.