BGen Renforth enlisted in the United States Navy in 1982. After two years in the Navy, he received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, graduating with a BS degree in Mathematics and receiving a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He is currently the Acting Chief of Staff, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command.
BGen Renforth has had the privilege of command at every level. He served as a Rifle Platoon, Heavy Machinegun Platoon, and Dragon Platoon Commander at 1st Battalion, 2d Marines, participating in Operation DESERT SHIELD/STORM. He also served as a Platoon Commander at 2d Light Armored Infantry Battalion and deployed as a Detachment Commander with 2d Battalion, 2d Marines in support of Operation PROVIDE PROMISE. BGen Renforth commanded rifle companies at 1st Battalion, 2d Marines and 2d Battalion, 6th Marines. At the battalion level he commanded the Maritime Special Purpose Force while deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Later, BGen Renforth commanded 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and deployed twice in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. He later assumed command of 7th Marine Regiment and deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Afterwards, he was Commanding General of Training Command, and then Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Eastern Recruiting Region. Most recently, he was the Commander, Joint Operations Command-Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force, Operation Inherent Resolve.
BGen Renforth’s staff assignments include tours as Protocol Officer, US Central Command; Operations Officer 2d Battalion, 6th Marines; Faculty Advisor, Amphibious Warfare School; Executive Officer, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines and deployed to Okinawa, Japan; Operations Officer, 5th Marines; Operations Officer, Regimental Combat Team 1 and deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM; Branch Chief, Special Plans Branch, J-5, US Northern Command; and Chief of Staff, 1st Marine Division.
BGen Renforth is a graduate of The Basic School, the Infantry Officer Course, Amphibious Warfare School, Armed Forces Staff College, NATO Defense College in Rome, Italy, and the High Command and Staff Course in the United Kingdom.
BGen Renforth was a member for the Marine Corps Rugby Team, has worked as the Head Coach for the Naval Academy Sprint Football Team, and as an assistant coach for the Navy Division 1 Men’s Rugby Team.