Colonel Thibodeau enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on February 19, 1992. Upon graduation from High School, he reported for boot camp at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina on January 20, 1993. After completion of MCT and then Military Police training at Fort McClellan, Alabama, he executed PCS orders to MCAS Tustin, California.
In May of 1995, Lance Corporal Thibodeau reported to Marine Security Guard Battalion at Quantico, Virginia. Upon graduation from Marine Security Guard School, he was posted at the American Embassy Nairobi, Kenya and then American Embassy Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In May of 1998, Sergeant Thibodeau returned to MSG BN, Quantico VA and executed EAS.
In July 2001, Second Lieutenant Thibodeau received his commission after graduating from the University of South Florida. After completing The Basic School, he reported to Dam Neck, Virginia for Air Intelligence School and Joint Targeting School, he reported to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, MCAS Miramar, California. He then deployed with 3rd MAW to Al ASAD, Iraq as the Tactical Air Command Center, Intelligence Watch Officer.
Assignments include G-2 Targeting OIC, 3rd MAW, MCAS Miramar, CA; S-2 for Marine Aircraft Group 39, MCAS Camp Pendleton, California, Executive Officer for A Company, 6th Motor Transport Battalion, Orlando, Florida; Reserve Liaison Officer for Program Manager Training Systems, MARCORSYSCOM, Orlando, FL; Inspector-Instructor for Alpha Company, Intelligence Support Battalion, MCAS Miramar, CA; Reserve Incentives and Training OIC, M&RA, Reserve Affairs, Reserve Continuation and Training Branch MCB, Quantico, Virginia; Operational Sponsor for HQMC Intelligence Department in the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.; Ground Watch Officer in the Combined Joint Operations Center for the Combined Joint Forces Land Component, Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve; Executive Officer for Headquarters Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve, New Orleans, LA; Headquarters Marine Corps, Plans, Policies, & Operations (PP&O), Current Operations Branch (POC) in the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.; and his current billet as the Inspector Instructor 1st Civil Affairs Group.
Attended resident Marine Corps Command and Staff College, Quantico, VA. and National Defense University, National War College, Fort McNair, Washington, D.C. where he earned a Master of Science in National Security Strategy.
His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3rd Award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and Good Conduct Medal.