[3][4][5][6] Trollinger graduated from the Old Dominion University and received his commission into the Marine Corps in 1990 as an infantry officer.

Trollinger has a diverse background in reconnaissance, security forces, and special operations, deploying numerous times in support of both routine and emergent requirements.

Trollinger also served as the Operations Officer for a Marine Expeditionary Unit as well as a Battalion Landing Team.

[7] In 1998, Trollinger graduated from the Amphibious Warfare School, and in 2011 he was the Commandant of the Marine Corps Fellow with the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

In June 2012, Trollinger was assigned as the Military Assistant to the Deputy Undersecretary of the Navy for Plans, Policy, Oversight and Integration.