A native of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Birnie was raised and educated in Philadelphia and was a 1900 graduate of the United States Military Academy.

During World War I, he served in the Operations section (G-3) on the American Expeditionary Forces staff and took part in several battles.

[5][6] After graduating, he received an appointment to the United States Military Academy from US Representative John E. Reyburn of Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district.

[9] Among Birnie's classmates who also attained general officer rank were: Robert E. Wood; Walter S. Grant; Charles M. Wesson, Archibald H. Sunderland; and Augustine McIntyre Jr.[10][11][12] Birnie was initially assigned to the 6th Artillery Regiment and posted to Havana during the United States Military Government in Cuba, and he remained in Havana until January 1902.

[15] From March to July 1911, Birnie was adjutant of the artillery brigade for an experimental maneuver division that conducted activities at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

[15] In June 1913, Birnie transferred to the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, and he served with this unit in the Philippines, first as a battalion adjutant, then as commander of a battery.

[15] Birnie was promoted to major in May and assigned to Camp Bullis near Leon Springs, Texas, where he commanded the 13th Company of the National Army Training Center.

[15][16] In August 1917, Birnie received promotion to temporary colonel and assignment to the American Expeditionary Forces staff in France.

[17] In August 1920, Birnie was assigned a second time as a student at the United States Army War College, and he graduated in June 1921.

[17] From February to May 1926, Birnie was assigned temporarily to Fort Sill, where he was a student at the Feld Artillery Refresher Course for senior officers.

[18] In March 1934, Birnie was selected to succeed Harry Gore Bishop as Chief of Field Artillery with the temporary rank of major general.

[19] In retirement, Birnie resided in Washington, D.C. and maintained a summer home in Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania.

[24] Margaret Birnie was the wife of John M. Capron; they later divorced, and she was a longtime employee of the United States International Trade Commission.

[25] Birnie's U.S. awards included: Birnie's foreign awards included: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel (Field Artillery) Upton Birnie Jr., United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I.