He is a 1986 graduate of the University of California, Riverside, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Service and Political Science.

He was commissioned through the Claremont College Reserve Officer Training Program where he received an appointment into the Active Component.

Lathrop's tours of duty with warfighting units include the 2nd Infantry Division and 75th Field Artillery Brigade as a Lieutenant; the 40th Corps Support Group as a Colonel, and Train, Advise, and Assist Command South as a Brigadier General.

His military schooling includes Syracuse University, National Security Studies Management Course; National Guard Professional Education Center, Strategic Planning and Management Course; United States Army Logistics Management College, Sustainment Pre Command Course; and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Senior Service College.

||Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters |-