[5] Wendel graduated from the United States Army Command and General Staff College in 1991, after which he held a variety of field grade officer staff positions,[5] and commanded 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment.

[6] He subsequently graduated from the United States Army War College, after which he served as special assistant to the commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas.

[5] In August 2003, he was assigned as chief of the strategy division in the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate (J-5) on the Joint Staff at The Pentagon.

[5] From 2004 to 2005, Wendel was assigned as assistant deputy director for Strategy and Policy (J-5) on the Joint Staff.

[1][2] Kevin Wendel is one of four sons born to Fred and Marie Wendel; his brothers include Jeffrey, a retired commander in the United States Navy, Dale, and Greg, also a retired Navy commander.