Michael graduated from the United States Military Academy, West Point in 2013. He branched Infantry and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. After completing Infantry Officer Basic Leader Course, Airborne School, and Ranger School, he joined the 82nd Airborne Division and served as a Platoon Leader where he was responsible for 39 Paratroopers and several million dollars of equipment. He then served as an Executive Officer where he was second in command, primarily responsible for the logistic operations of a 155-person Rifle Company.

Finally, he served a Tour in Iraq as the Battalion Logistics Officer, responsible for planning and resourcing mission critical operations for a 732-man Airborne Infantry Battalion and embedded Iraqi Special Forces.