He completed his career as Commanding general, Fifth Corps Area in September 1941, shortly before the United States entry into World War II.

Following high school, he received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, where he became active in the baseball team and was nicknamed "The Baron" due to his German ancestry.

[3][4] Many of his classmates became general officers later: Samuel T. Ansell, Charles M. Bundel, Clifton C. Carter, Stanley D. Embick, Robert C. Foy, Stuart Heintzelman, Charles D. Herron, Evan H. Humphrey, Frederick B. Kerr, Leon Kromer, Duncan K. Major Jr., Edward M. Markham, George Van Horn Moseley, Ephraim G. Peyton, George S. Simonds or James A.

[3] Trott embarked for the Philippines by the end of March 1901 and participated in the combats against Moro insurgents until November 1903, when he was ordered back to the United States.

Trott was subsequently ordered back to the United States Military Academy at West Point and assumed duty as an Instructor in the Department of Law.

He served as an Instructor at the Army School of the Line at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, from August to December 1912 and then sailed with 8th Infantry Regiment back to the Philippines.

[3] By the beginning of November 1916, Trott returned to the United States and assumed duty as Assistant Professor of Military Science and Tactics at the University of Illinois.

[3] Trott was promoted again, this time to the temporary rank of lieutenant colonel, on August 5, and ordered to Camp Sherman, Ohio, where he joined the newly activated 330th Infantry Regiment, part of the 83rd Division.

Trott was meanwhile promoted to the temporary rank of colonel on July 30, and soon joined the headquarters of the 5th Division as its chief of staff under Major General John E.

Following the graduation, Trott was promoted back to lieutenant colonel on July 1, 1920, and ordered to Camp Grant, Illinois, where he assumed command of 54th Infantry Regiment.

He was sent to the Governors Island, New York City, in July 1924 and joined the headquarters, Second Corps Area under Major general Robert L. Bullard as Liaison Officer, Organized Reserves.

[2][1][3] Trott assumed command of 17th Infantry Regiment at Fort Crook, Nebraska, in May 1926 and served in this capacity until June 1930, when he was appointed Chief of Staff, 94th Division under Major general Fox Conner.

[2][3] Divisional headquarters of 94th Division was moved to Montpelier, Vermont, in June 1933 and Trott assumed additional duty as Commander of 6th Civilian Conservation Corps District during the Great Depression.

[2][3] With the outbreak of World War II in Europe in September 1939, Trott was ordered to Camp Jackson, South Carolina, and was tasked with organization of reactivated 6th Infantry Division.