Born to an Italian-American army officer during the Cold War in Würzburg, West Germany, Cavoli grew up in Rome, Verona, Vicenza, and Giessen.

As part of his undergraduate degree, Cavoli completed a 22-page senior thesis titled "The Effect of Earthworms on the Vertical Distribution of Slime Molds in the Soil.

[10] He assumed command of United States Army Europe in a ceremony on 18 January 2018[2] after being confirmed by the Senate for promotion to lieutenant general on 20 December 2017.

Defender-Europe 21, one of the largest U.S.-Army, NATO-led military exercises in Europe in decades, began in mid-March 2021 and lasted until June 2021.

[15][16] Cavoli said that "While we are closely monitoring the COVID situation, we’ve proven we have the capability to train safely despite the pandemic.

"[21] Cavoli is the author of a 4000-page plan to discuss at the 2023 Vilnius Summit for updating NATO's military commands and preparations.