Colonel Burkett was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant (2ndLt) in the United States Marine Corps in April 2000, following his graduation from the Bowling Green State University, in Ohio. Beginning his Marine Corps career as an Active Component Adjutant, in November 2000, 2ndLt Burkett was assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, in Cherry Point, NC, where he served as a Squadron, Group, and Wing Adjutant, and deployed to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq in conjunction with Operations SOUTHERN WATCH, ENDURING FREEDOM, and IRAQI FREEDOM.
In July 2003, 1stLt Burkett reported to Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES), in New Orleans, LA, where he served as the Force Adjutant. Recognizing a critical capability gap, he established the Force Casualty section, and took charge of the training and oversight of all MARFORRES Casualty Assistance Calls Officers, who ultimately carried the responsibility of notifying and supporting the families associated with more than 90% of all Marine Corps deaths and serious injuries during this period of high combat operations.
In January 2006, Captain Burkett transitioned to the Marine Corps Reserve. In conjunction with his transition to an infantry officer, he joined L Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines (3/23) in Montgomery, AL, where, he served as a Platoon Commander and Company Executive Officer (XO). In 2007, Captain Burkett mobilized with 3/23 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, deploying to Al Anbar, Iraq. Upon return from deployment he was elevated to the role of the Battalion Operations Officer.
In January 2009, he transition to the Active Reserve program was again assigned to MARFORRES, where he served as the Force G-1 Operations Branch Head. In May 2010, Major Burkett was selected to become the XO of the MARFORRES Headquarters Battalion and the Marine Corps Support Facility, New Orleans.
In July 2011, Major Burkett transferred to Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA, where he attended the resident Marine Corps, Command and Staff College, earning a Master’s in Military Studies. Thereafter, in June 2012, Major Burkett transferred to Headquarters Marine Corps, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, where he served as a Reserve Policy Analyst within Reserve Affairs Division. In this billet, he interpreted and developed Department of Defense (DoD), Secretary of the Navy, and USMC policy guiding and shaping the Marine Corps Reserve, and influencing its utilization opportunities within the Marine Corps Total Force.
In June 2015 Lieutenant Colonel Burkett assumed command as the Inspector-Instructor for the 3D Civil Affairs Group, in Great Lakes, IL. In this billet he brought the fledgling Group to Fully Operational Capable status, and generated and deployed Civil Affairs forces to 14 countries around the globe.
In June 2017, he relinquished command and transferred to the U.S. Army War College, in Carlisle, PA, where he graduated with honors, earning a Masters of Strategic Studies.
In July 2018 Lieutenant Colonel Burkett transferred to MARFORRES where he served as the Force Manpower Officer and was responsible for the manpower programs and personnel readiness of the Force and advocated for service evolution to Total Force recruiting, retention, and talent management. Upon promotion to Colonel in May 2021, he was elevated to the role of MARFORRES Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1. In this capacity he was responsible for Navy, Marine, and Civilian Marine Manpower management, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and administrative policy and activation readiness of MARFORRES’ 100,000 members.
In June 2022, Colonel Burkett took command of the Headquarters Battalion of MARFORRES and Marine Corps Forces Southern Command, and the Marine Corps Support Facility, New Orleans.
Colonel Burkett’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with three gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with a gold star, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.