A career Marine Corps infantry officer. While at the U.S. Naval War College he has served as a Military Professor and senior moderator for Joint Maritime Operations courses and Naval Operational Planner Course (now MAWS). More recently, he has served on the Faculty of the College of Maritime Operational Warfare. Staff tours include Battalion operation officer, Force Exercise Planner, Information Operations Officer and Ground Operations Planner for II Marine Expeditionary Force. Colonel Rutledge’s last operational tour was with the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command where he served as the Fleet Marine Officer and NAVCENT Future Plans Director.