After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Captain Carl Zimmerman commissioned through the OCC program in March 2015. Upon completion of The Basic School and Infantry Officer's Course, he reported to 3d Battalion, 8th Marines, where he was assigned to Company I, Weapons Platoon.

As a Weapons Platoon Commander, Captain Zimmerman participated in Baltic Operations 2016, a Mountain Exercise, and in February 2017 deployed as part of Forward Deployed Battalion-East.

In August 2017, Captain Zimmerman was assigned as the Executive Officer of Company I, 3d Battalion, 8th Marines. As the Executive Officer, Captain Zimmerman participated in a winter Mountain Exercise and in 2018 deployed as part of the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 19.1. 

In May 2019, Captain Zimmerman ended his active duty service and joined PricewaterhouseCoopers advisory practice. In December 2019, Captain Zimmerman resumed his service with the Marine Corps, joining the SMCR, and was assigned as the Executive Officer of Company G, 2d Battalion, 24th Marines. During his time with Company G, Captain Zimmerman participated in MTX 4-21.

In October 2021, Captain Zimmerman took over command of Company F, 2d Battalion, 24 Marines, and mobilized with the unit in support of Operation Allies Welcome.