Lieutenant Colonel Adam Unkle commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in August 2007, designated as an Infantry Officer, and ordered to service with 1st Battalion 8th Marines. He deployed with the battalion to Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009 as a Weapons Platoon Commander with Company C. Subsequently, he deployed with the battalion to Operation Enduring Freedom from 2010-2011 as a Combined Anti-Armor Team Platoon Commander.
In 2011, Captain Unkle reported to Recruiting Station Buffalo. He served as both the Recruiting Station Operations Officer and Executive Officer. From 2014-2015 he attended Expeditionary Warfare School in Quantico, Virginia.
In 2015, Captain Unkle reported to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. Shortly after reporting, Captain Unkle was assigned to serve as a Maneuver Advisor as part of the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) 16.1. He deployed with SPMAGTF 16.1 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from 2015-2016. Upon return from deployment, Captain Unkle attended Light Armored Reconnaissance Leader's Course, designated as a Light Armored Reconnaissance Officer, and served as the Commander of Company D from 2016-2017.
In 2017, Captain Unkle promoted to Major and reported to the recently formed Force Fitness Division. He served as the Branch Head of Policy and Research until his departure in 2020. From 2020-2021 he attended Marine Corps Command and Staff College and graduated with distinction.
In 2021, Major Unkle reported again to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. He served as both the Battalion Operations Officer and Executive Officer. He promoted to Lieutenant Colonel shortly before his departure from the battalion in 2023.
In 2023, Lieutenant Colonel Unkle reported to the 4th Marine Corps Recruiting District to serve as the District Recruiting Operations Officer. Upon completion of recruiting duty in 2025, he transferred to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion to assume Command.
Lieutenant Colonel Unkle received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2007. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Lieutenant Colonel Unkle's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with "V", and the Combat Action Ribbon.