Wilson attended the University of South Carolina on an NROTC Scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1972.

In support of Operation Enduring Freedom, he was activated as the Deputy J-3 for Central Command in Tampa, Florida, from September to December 2002.

From February through May 2003, Wilson commanded the Combined Joint Task Force Consequence Management (C/JTF-CM), headquartered in Camp Doha, Kuwait, and supported Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.

In July 2007, he was assigned as Commanding General for United States Marine Corps Forces, Europe in Stuttgart, Germany.

Wilson's professional military education includes the Marshall Center Senior Executive Seminar, NATO Defense College General and Flag Officer Course, Senior Information Warfare Application Course, Logtech Executive Course, Revolution in Business Practices, National Defense University's Capstone Course, Naval War College's Strategy and Policy Course, and Amphibious Warfare School.