U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced on 13 March 2008, Paxton's nomination for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general, and for assignment as Director, Strategic Plans & Policy, J-5, The Joint Staff.

On 22 May 2007, Paxton relinquished command of the 1st Marine Division to take the role of Chief of Staff for Multi-National Force-Iraq.

Upon completion of Officer Candidates School, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 1974.

[5] From 2000 to 2001, Paxton had a one-year tour as the United States Marine Corps Fellow (National Security Studies) at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.

Advanced to lieutenant general in 2008, Paxton served initially as Director, Strategic Plans and Policy (J-5) on the Joint Staff, then was nominated and confirmed to the Operations Directorate (J-3), where he served until appointment as CG, II MEF; and CG, Marine Forces, Africa.

[2] Paxton is an Advisory Board Member of Spirit of America, a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the safety and success of US troops serving abroad.