Enlisted in the Army in September of 1987 at the age of 18, Struecker served ten years in the 75th Ranger Regiment in positions ranging from Ranger Reconnaissance Specialist to Platoon Sergeant. Some of his awards include the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Ranger Tab, Pathfinder Badge, Master Parachutist's Wings, Military Freefall Master Parachutist Wings, British Parachutist Wings, Thai Parachutist Wings, German Parachutist Wings, and German Sports Efficiency Badge. Also recognized in 1998 with the U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps ROTC Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.