Upon graduation from the Naval Postgraduate School and completion of the Armed Forces Staff College, he was assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment where he served as the Regimental Plans and Liaison Officer. In September 1986, he was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, where he served as the battalion S3 (operations) and executive officer. Subsequently, he was named the Assistant to the Commander, 75th Ranger Regiment, during Operation Just Cause in Panama.
Upon graduating from the Naval Postgraduate School and completing the Armed Forces Staff College, he joined the 75th Ranger Regiment as a Plans and Liaison Officer. In September 1986, he was transferred to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, where he served as the battalion S3 (operations) and executive officer. During Operation Just Cause in Panama, he was appointed Assistant to the Commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment.