Major Rex Van Koevering enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2007 and reported to Headquarters Battery, 10th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division in 2008 as a Counter Battery Radar Operator (MOS 0842). From 2008 to 2012, he served as a Radar Operator and Watch Chief, deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2008) and Operation Enduring Freedom (2010).
In 2012, then-Sergeant Van Koevering executed a lateral move to the reconnaissance field and reported to Company C, 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, where he reclassified as a Reconnaissance Marine (MOS 0321). He subsequently deployed with the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit. In 2015, Sergeant Van Koevering was promoted to Staff Sergeant and selected for the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP).
He reported to the University of Michigan Naval ROTC Unit and attended Eastern Michigan University, graduating summa cum laude in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a minor in Military Science. Upon graduation, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. Following commissioning, Second Lieutenant Van Koevering completed The Basic School and the Infantry Officer Course in 2017.
In 2018, he reported to 2d Battalion, 2d Marines, serving as a Rifle Platoon Commander in support of Exercise Trident Juncture and later as an 81mm Mortar Platoon Commander during UDP 19.2 to Okinawa, Japan. In 2020, First Lieutenant Van Koevering was assigned to 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, where he served as a Platoon Commander in Force Reconnaissance Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force. In 2021 he and his platoon executed a deployment For Training (DFT) to Ukraine in support of Exercise Sea Breeze 21.
Upon returning from the DFT, Capt Van Koevering reported to 3d Battalion, 6th Marines, where he assumed command of Company I. As Company Commander, he led his company in support of Operation Allies Welcome at Fort Pickett, Virginia, in 2021, the Pre-deployment Training Program, and deployed to Okinawa, Japan, in support of UDP 23.2.
Following this deployment Captain Van Koevering attended and graduated with distinction from the U.S. Army Maneuver Captains Career Course (MCCC) in 2024.
After MCCC Captain Van Koevering reported to II Marine Expeditionary Force, II Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG) where he served as the Officer in Charge of the Amphibious Raids Branch and validated the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Upon completion of the 22nd MEU's validation, Capt Van Koevering received orders and is currently serving as the Inspector-Instructor for Company C, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, 25th Marine Regiment, ensuring the training, readiness, and mobilization of Reserve Marines.
He is a graduate of the Naval Command and Staff College (JPME-I) in 2025.
Major Van Koevering continued his civilian education and earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2023.
His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two Gold Stars, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.