[2] Upon graduation from High School, he was selected to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Beginning his military career at West Point, Melcher completed his degree in 1976 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers.

[4] During his 32 years of service, he commanded at the Battalion, Brigade, and Army Corps of Engineers Division level.

As Commanding General of the Army Corps of Engineers, Southwestern Division, Melcher oversaw the construction, maintenance, and oversight of military infrastructure in six states in the American southwest.

[5] Melcher's most prominent staff assignments included a White House Fellowship with the Office of Management and Budget under President Ronald Reagan and as the Army's Military Deputy for Budget, and Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs (G-8).

[11][12][13][14] In 2014 Melcher was recognized by the Association of the United States Army with the John W. Dixon award for his significant contribution to the American defense industry.