Captain Kuester is a native of Windsor, England. He attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where he graduated with bachelor's degrees in political science, history, and a minor in military affairs. He commissioned into the Marine Corps through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps in May of 2020. Upon graduation he received training at The Basic School, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.
First Lieutenant Kuester reported to Marine Corps Detachment Fort Sill, Lawton, Oklahoma in May of 2021 to receive training as a Field Artillery Officer. First Lieutenant Kuester graduated in September of 2021 upon completion of Marine Artillery Officer Basic Course and Joint Fires Observer Course and was given the MOS 0802.
In October of 2021, First Lieutenant Kuester reported to 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines Twentynine Palms, California for his assignment. He reported to Battery I where he was assigned as Headquarters Platoon Commander and Fire Direction Officer. He led his platoon through Integrated Training Exercise 1-22, Steel Knight 22 and a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation.
In January of 2022 First Lieutenant Kuester attached to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines and deployed to Marine Rotational Force, Darwin (MRF-D). During this period, he led his platoon through multiple bilateral exercises with 8/12th Regiment of the Australian Defense Force (ADF) culminating in Exercise Predator's Run. He also supported a series of command post exercises to integrate artillery communications and fires approval processes with ADF partners. In May of 2022 First Lieutenant Kuester was promoted to his current rank.
First Lieutenant Kuester returned to 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines in September of 2022 and became Battery I's Executive Officer. He supported Steel Knight 23 and multiple regimental and battalion firing exercises. First Lieutenant Kuester led an independent platoon through the duration of Service Level Training Exercise 2-23. In June of 2023 he attended Position Commander's Course at the 11th Marines Artillery Training School.
First Lieutenant Kuester deployed with Battery I as part of the Unit Deployment Program to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines in September of 2023. During this period, he supported Artillery Relocation Training Program 23.4, moving the battery personnel and gear set to the Yausubetsu Maneuver Area for ten days of live fire operations. First Lieutenant Kuester redeployed to 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines in March of 2024.
First Lieutenant Kuester executed orders to 3rd Battalion, 14th Marines, Hotel Battery in Richmond, Virginia, in June of 2024, where he is currently serving as the Hotel Battery Inspector-Instructor.
First Lieutenant Kuester's personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.