Enlisted in the United States Army in September 1987 at the age of 18, Struecker served ten years in the 75th Ranger Regiment in positions ranging from Ranger Reconnaissance specialist to platoon sergeant.
Enlisting in the US Army in September 1987 at 18 marked the beginning of Struecker's decade-long service in the 75th Ranger Regiment, during which he took on various leadership roles including that of a reconnaissance expert and platoon leader.