LtCol Rhinehart graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2002 earning a B.S. Degree in Naval Architecture. He then attended The Basic School (TBS), graduating in January 2003 and reported to Marine Detachment, Fort Sill to attend the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course (FAOBC). Upon graduation from FAOBC in June 2003, he reported to Bravo Battery 1st Battalion, 10th Marines.
Upon arrival to 1/10, he assumed duties as a Forward Observer where he conducted multiple local shoots and Rolling Thunder exercises. He was subsequently assigned to the Air Contingency MAGTF, 1st Battalion 2nd Marines. In December of 2003, LtCol Rhinehart assumed duties as the AXO and fulfilled duties as such for the lock on with the 24th MEU. The MEU deployed to Iraq in July of 2004. During this deployment, Bravo Battery conducted split battery operations. LtCol Rhinehart performed duties as the Guns Platoon Commander, FDO, and XO (acting) for the half of the Battery positioned in Iskandariyah, Iraq. Bravo Battery returned in February of 2005 and LtCol Rhinehart assumed duties as the Battery Executive Officer in April of 2005. In October of 2005, LtCol Rhinehart assumed duties as the Executive Officer for Headquarters Battery 10th Marine Regt. For a portion of this time, he served as the acting CO until it was eventually filled by an incoming LtColor. LtCol Rhinehart departed HQ Battery in May of 2006.
In May of 2006, LtCol Rhinehart reported to The Basic School. He was responsible for the convoy package period of instruction and fire support package instructor. In June of 2007, LtCol Rhinehart became a Staff Platoon Commander for Delta Company and Bravo Company. In July of 2008, LtCol Rhinehart assumed the duties as Executive Officer, Combat Service Support Company, The Basic School. He was responsible for the training and support roles of the Artillery Battery, Assault Amphibious Vehicle Platoon, Motor Transport Platoon, Motor Transport Maintenance Platoon, and Communications Platoon. LtCol Rhinehart departed TBS in April of 2009.
In April of 2009, LtCol Rhinehart attended the Artillery Captain’s Career Course. Upon graduation in October of 2009, LtCol Rhinehart had orders to report to 3d Battalion, 10th Marines. He was immediately assigned to an Advisor Team and deployed to Afghanistan from March 2010 to October 2010. During his tour as an advisor, LtCol Rhinehart served with elements of 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, Afghan National Army soldiers from the 215th Kandak, Marines from 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, and Georgian Soldiers. LtCol Rhinehart was responsible for a nine man team that conducted operations in Now Zad, Delaram, and Sangin. The Marines under his charge conducted distributed operations; never together as a full team until all were linked up in Camp Leatherneck for re-deployment. Upon return from deployment, LtCol Rhinehart was assigned to 5th Battalion, 10th Marines.
LtCol Rhinehart assumed command of Battery T, 5th Battalion, 10th Marines in December 2010. As the Commanding Officer, he led Battery T through numerous regimental, battalion, and battery-level live-fire exercises, obtaining Top Gun recognition, and deployed to Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), 29 Palms for ITX support to 1st LAR Battalion. As the Force Structure Review Group designated 5/10 to deactivate, LtCol Rhinehart assumed duties as the Executive Officer for the Battalion during this transition period. Concurrent with deactivation, 5/10 had been assigned the mission of Africa Partnership Station 2012. This was an exercise designed to conduct bilateral operations with five African nations. LtCol Rhinehart officially retired T Battery 5/10 at the deactivation ceremony in June of 2012. LtCol Rhinehart performed Bn XO duties concurrent with duties as the Ground Combat Element Commander for APS-12. Marines from T Battery made up the preponderance of this force, along with other Marines across 5/10 and Regiment. An Assault Amphibious Platoon was also assigned to the GCE for APS-12. The Marines embarked on the USS Ft. McHenry. LtCol Rhinehart led operations in France with the 3rd Rima and in Romania with elements of their defense forces. While in Romania, Marines with the GCE conducted a combined amphibious ship to shore raid with the Romanian forces.
In September 2012, the US Consulate was attacked in Benghazi, Libya. LtCol Rhinehart and Marines from the GCE were off loaded in Rota, Spain to await follow-on orders to conduct security operations. In November of 2012, LtCol Rhinehart and 52 Marines landed in Tripoli, Libya and conducted US Embassy security and reinforcement operations. LtCol Rhinehart was responsible for working closely with the acting US Ambassador to Libya and other State Department Personnel. For their actions, the Marines were awarded the Meritorious Honor Award from the State Department. LtCol Rhinehart returned from Libya in February of 2013 and assumed duties as the Regimental Adjutant until his departure in June.
LtColor Rhinehart attended the US Army Command and General Staff College, Leavenworth, Kansas from June 2013 to June 2014.
In July of 2014, LtCol Rhinehart reported to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One in Yuma, AZ. He assumed duties as the Ground Combat Operations Division Head and subsequently became the Ground Combat Department Head. He was the senior Artillery representative for the command and instructed classes ranging from Air to Surface Fires integration to Assault Support to Artillery. LtCol Rhinehart conducted five total Weapons and Tactics Instructor Courses being responsible for the instruction and training of five Infantry Battalions, Artillery Batteries, and over 1200 WTIs.
In April of 2016, LtCol Rhinehart deployed to support Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq. He was assigned to the Combined Joint Operation Center Baghdad where he performed duties as Maneuver Advisor/Current Operations Officer and Strike Director. As Maneuver Advisor/Current Operations Officer, LtCol Rhinehart synchronized coalition support to Iraqi Security Forces, including a complex gap crossing to enable Iraq offensive operations. As Strike Director, LtCol Rhinehart was responsible for coordinating approval for over 5,000 kinetic engagements/Coalition Air Strikes from the Government of Iraq representatives.
Upon LtCol Rhinehart’s return in November of 2016, he re-assumed duties as the Ground Combat Department Head. Upon leaving MAWTS in June of 2017, LtCol Rhinehart reported to 1st Battalion, 10th Marines. He assumed duties as the Battalion’s Assistant Fire Support Coordinator. In that role, he deployed in support of operations in Syria. Upon return from deployment in December of 2017, LtCol Rhinehart assumed the duties as the Battalion’s Logistics Officer and supported the Regimental Exercise, Rolling Thunder. LtCol Rhinehart held this billet until April of 2018, to which he was selected to serve as the Executive Officer for 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines. In September of 2018, LtCol Rhinehart assumed duties as 10th Marine Regiment’s Logistics Officer. In this capacity, he led the recovery efforts from Hurricane Florence and successfully conducted Rolling Thunder 1-19. Upon return from this exercise, he assumed the billet of 10th Marine Regiment Executive Officer in April of 2019, where he presently serves.
LtCol Rhinehart’s personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with (2) Gold Stars in lieu of Third Award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device, and the Combat Action Ribbon. LtColor Rhinehart is a member of the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
LtCol Rhinehart and his wife, January, have two children, Carter (Age 14) and Wesley (Age 12).