[1] After one year at the University of Illinois, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, Karch transferred to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

[1] At Philadelphia Navy Yard, Karch completed Basic Training and was sent to San Diego as a battery officer in the 10th Marine Regiment.

[1] In March 1955, he was sent to Tokyo under the Far East Command as the chief of Intelligence Plans Section, where he was promoted to colonel and awarded the Army Commendation Medal.

Karch graduated from the Army War College in June of the following year and was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps as executive officer and assistant deputy chief of staff.

"[3] December 1965 saw Karch report back to the Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, as director, Command and Staff College until June 1967, when he retired from active duty.