He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in anthropology in 1966 from the University of Oregon,[1] where he was a member of Sigma Chi.

Palm entered the Marine Corps through the Platoon Leaders Course Program and was commissioned a second lieutenant on November 1, 1966.

Upon returning to the United States he was assigned to Fort Sill as a gunnery instructor in both the basic and career branches.

General Palm was ordered to Amphibious Group Two in Little Creek, Virginia, where he served as Assistant Plans Officer and the Supporting Arms Coordinator.

He was again ordered to Headquarters Marine Corps and served as the Head of Manpower Planning and Programming and Budgeting Section.

He was advanced to that grade on May 1, 1992, and assumed his duties as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, (Manpower Plans & Policy), Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. Brigadier General Palm assumed command of Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California on August 16, 1994.