Robert retired from the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 2022 as a Colonel after 30 combined years of active duty and reserve service. Robert served as an infantry and artillery officer with senior staff, operations, and Commanding Officer (Chief Executive) experience.  Early in his career he commanded an artillery platoon and later an infantry company. In 2003 he led a small team in the first wave of combat operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom. From 2009 to 2011 then-Lieutenant Colonel Bruce was the Commanding Officer of 3^rd ANGLICO, an elite battalion-level (250+ personnel) organization engaged in global combat operations and training. He was subsequently selected to serve on a small team that deployed on short notice to Iraq in 2014 to conduct a strategic assessment of the viability of Iraqi Security Forces in the face of the existential ISIS threat, and remained in Iraq to serve as Chief of Ground Combat Operations at the Joint Operations Center in Baghdad.

In the course of his military career Robert deployed to Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. He also completed a fellowship through the Department of Defense during which he worked as an advisor to a senior United States Senator. He is a Navy-Marine Corps Parachutist and Jumpmaster. His personal awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.