In July of 2003, John reported for duty with the 5th Air Delivery platoon, 4th Landing Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group aboard Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah Georgia to serve as a drilling reservist Air Delivery Specialist.

While assigned there, he participated in an exercise in Norway and Alaska; he was then promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal and earned his Navy and Marine Corps Parachute Insignia.

In 2005, while still a Lance Corporal, John completed his EOD lateral move package and paperwork to augment from the USMCR to the Fleet Marine Forces. In November of 2005, he reported to NAVSCOLEOD, Eglin AFB, FL for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) School. In June of 2006, he completed the Basic EOD course, by which time he had been promoted to Corporal. Though the most junior member of the school, then Corporal Rudd was the honor graduate from his EOD basic class. Then Corporal Rudd reported to his first active-duty assignment with H&HS Cherry Point EOD in July of 2006. While at the station EOD team, he conducted dozens of local EOD responses, supported various Very Important Persons Protection Support Activity (VIPPSA) missions and various state-level contingency exercises.

During his tour at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, he was promoted to Sergeant and attended numerous courses including both Professional Military Education (PME) and Advanced EOD training. In September of 2008, John was transferred to the Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 271 EOD section, also at MCAS Cherry Point, to serve as an EOD Team Member. While with the MWSS, John attended more training and deployed in support of OIF. During his tour at MWSS-271, he was promoted to Staff Sergeant and received a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for meritorious service while deployed. While in garrison, John continued to serve in a local EOD response capacity alongside the station team and participated in several notable responses in Eastern North Carolina. He was recognized by the Mayor of Morehead City, NC for his contribution to the remedy of an accident at the Morehead City Port involving over 140,000 pounds of explosives.

July of 2010, then Staff Sergeant Rudd reported to EOD Co, 9th ESB, Camp Hansen Japan and served as an EOD Team Leader. During his time at 9th ESB, he deployed with EOD Co, 8th ESB for the 11.1 OEF rotation. While assigned to 9th ESB EOD John received the Bronze Star medal with combat distinguishing device for heroism while deployed. In December of 2011, John reported to 31st MEU for duties as an EOD Team Leader. During his tenure, he supported various exercises and patrols with the MEU, often as the EOD Chief. In January of 2013, then Staff Sergeant Rudd attended SOF EOD Level 1 training and was selected to serve as a Special Operations Capabilities Specialist in the EOD specialty at 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion (renamed 2d Marine Raider Battalion (MRB)). Upon his selection, John was assigned to Marine Special Operations Team (MSOT) 8231, H Co, 2d MRB, where he served as a Special Operations Forces EOD technician and the H Co EOD Chief.

While assigned to MSOT 8231 he completed dozens of SOF specific schools and exercises and deployed in support of OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom). While with MSOT 8231, John was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant and was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat distinguishing device for heroism while being deployed. In March of 2015, John was assigned to Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) HQ briefly before being assigned to the MARSOC School House in June of 2015.

While at the MRTC Gunny Rudd re-wrote the majority of the SOF EOD curriculum and served as lead and later the Chief instructor for the SOF EOD Level 1 course. While assigned to the MRTC, John completed both his Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees. In mid-2017, John requested to return to the FMF after his time at MARSOC was complete, and in May of 2018 he checked in to his current assignment as EOD Chief, CLB 3, MCB Kaneohe Bay, HI. Since his assignment at CLB 3, John was promoted to his current rank, Master Sergeant. John has graciously offered his knowledge and expertise to Freedom Fitness America and is featured in the FREE Video series that we're offering now. Click below!