Neal Jones attended Officer Candidate Course-199 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in December 2008.
After completing The Basic School and Infantry Officer Course, he reported to 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, where he served as an Afghan Police Training Team Leader and Rifle Platoon Commander. During this tour, he deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Helmand Province, Afghanistan and once to Okinawa, Japan in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
From February 2013 to February 2016, he was assigned to Bravo Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team (FAST) Company and served as a FAST Platoon Commander. He deployed twice to Marine Corps Security Force Company – Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in support of the on-going global war on terrorism (GWOT) security mission and twice to FAST-Pacific as a contingency response force for the U.S. 7th Fleet.
From March 2016 to May 2017, he was assigned to 3d Battalion, 1st Marines and served as the Battalion’s Assistant Operations Officer. During this time, he deployed to Okinawa, Japan under the Forward Deployed Battalion – West program.
From June 2017 to October 2018, he was assigned to 2d Battalion, 4th Marines and served as a rifle company commander. He deployed to Darwin, Australia as part of the Ground Combat Element for Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 18.2.
In November 2018, he reported to Quantico, Virginia and served as the Infantry Integration Officer within Program Manager Advanced Amphibious Assault, Program Executive Office - Land Systems. In July 2021, he reported to the Marine Corps’ Command and Staff College and served as a resident student. Following graduation in June 2022, he reported to 2d Battalion, 5th Marines. Upon arrival, he assumed temporary duty as the 5th Marine Regiment current operations (COPS) officer until 2d Battalion, 5th Marines returned from its deployment.
In November 2022, he assumed duties as the Executive Officer, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines. He deployed to Darwin, Australia as part of the Ground Combat Element for Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3.
In December 2024, he reported to the Command Element, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Command Element and served as a Current Operations Planner (G33). In June 2025, he reported to Brook Park, OH and assumed duties as the Inspector-Instructor for 3d Battalion, 25th Marines.