He was commissioned via the Naval ROTC program at The Citadel in 1979, where he earned a bachelor's degree in English. His initial assignment was as a Platoon Leader with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines under the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California. He served as Series Commander and Company Commander at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego from 1982 to 1985. He has extensive experience in Iraq having led Regimental Combat Team 1 during Operation Phantom Fury, where he was wounded in action; served as a staff officer with the 1st Marine Division in Ramadi and commanded the 5th Marine Regiment in Fallujah.