Colonel Māris Utināns started his service at the National Armed Forces (NAF) in 1995. After graduating from the National Defence Academy of Latvia (NDAL), he continued his service at the NAF Staff Battalion, also served at the NDAL and conducted cadet training. He has performed both the duties of the Head of the Planning Division and the duties of the Commander of the Battalion in the Land Forces Mechanized Infantry Brigade. Continued his service in the Training and Doctrine Command as the Chief of its Headquarters. Māris Utināns has acquired experience of international operations in Afghanistan as a senior officer. Colonel Māris Utināns has received military education at the NDAL and the Baltic Defence College. For exemplary performance of service duties and contribution to the development of the defence sector Māris Utināns has received awards from the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, the President of Latvia, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Defence and the NAF.