I was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1955, and raised in Quincy, Massachusetts. I graduated from Boston College High School in 1973 and from Saint Michael's College in June 1977. I earned my commission the month of my college graduation. I am a graduate of the United States Army War College, Ranger School, and Amphibious Warfare School. I hold a Master of Arts degree in Government from Georgetown University and a second Master of Arts in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.
In 1978, I served in the 1st Marine Division as a platoon and company commander in 3rd Battalion 1st Marines and a company commander in 1st Battalion 9th Marines until 1981. I served as the aide to the commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force for a year, then transferred to the Officer Assignment Branch at Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C.. I reported to the 2nd Marine Division in June 1985 and commanded L Company of 3rd Battalion 6th Marines. In 1987, I was reassigned to 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company as the Operations, Plans, and Training Officer.