[6][7] Born in California and raised in Elk River, Minnesota, Kurilla received a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from the United States Military Academy, an MBA from Regis University, and a master's degree in national security studies from the National War College.

[7] During his early career Kurilla participated in the United States invasion of Panama[9] and the Gulf War, as well as operations in Haiti, Kosovo, and Bosnia.

[3] He was awarded a Bronze Star with "V" device after a battle in Mosul in which he "was shot three times but continued to fire back at insurgents while directing his troops.

[14] As of November 2024, Kurilla is under investigation after shoving an airman upon being asked to take his seat and buckle up for his safety during flight to Israel.

[citation needed] This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Government.