Lieutenant Colonel Early is a graduate of Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and a concentration in Astronomy with a minor in math. Upon completion of OCS and graduation from college, 2ndLt Early was commissioned in May 2005. He reported to Quantico, VA for introductory flight screening followed by The Basic School. In June of 2006 he reported to Pensacola, FL for flight school. 1stLt Early was designated a Naval Aviator in March of 2008. He then reported to HMT-302 in New River, NC for initial training in the CH-53E.

Upon Completion of flight training 1stLt Early was designated a CH-53E co-pilot and received orders to HMH-366 in Cherry Point, NC. As a plank holder at HMH-366, 1stLt Early worked in the operations department as a schedule writer. He deployed to Al Asad, Iraq in November of 2009 to February 2010. When he returned home he became the airframes division officer. He then deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan in July 2010 until January 2011 with HMH-361. He attended the MAWTS-1 Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-11. Capt Early deployed again to Helmand Province, Afghanistan from January 2012 to August 2012 with HMH-466. There he was the pilot training officer and weapons and tactics instructor. Shortly after returning from deployment he was an augment instructor for a weapons and tactics instructor course.

Capt Early then reported in to MAWTS-1 in Yuma, AZ as a CH-53 Instructor. While serving at MAWTS-1 Capt Early served as an operations representative, evolution coordinator, division head, and the Aviation Safety Officer. During his last year at MAWTS-1 Major Early completed the Tactical Air Control Party course at EWTGPAC as well as the MAWTS-1 Air Officer course.

In July 2016, Maj Early reported to 2nd Marine Raider Battalion in Camp Lejeune, NC. There he served as the Air/Fires Officer for Marine Special Operations Company Golf. He deployed to northern Iraq with MSOC G in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from July 2017-January 2018.  Upon completion of that deployment Maj Early reported back to HMH-366 to serve as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer from May 2018 through May 2019 at which point he was assigned as the Executive Officer to finish his tour with the Hammerheads.

LtCol Early reported back to MAWTS-1 in July of 2020 to assume duties as the Operations Officer.  He served in that billet during four WTI courses before transferring to MCAS Miramar in May of 2022 to assume Command of HMH-466.