Captain Butler enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2000. After graduating from Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, and subsequently Marine Combat Training, he was assigned to Marine Corps Communications Electronics School, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), Twentynine Palms, California. After graduating he was assigned to 7th Communications Battalion, Camp Hanson, Okinawa, Japan. There he was promoted to the rank of Corporal.
In April 2002 Captain Butler was reassigned to Headquarters Battalion, 2d Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where he was promoted to Sergeant in 2003. In May of 2005 Captain Butler attended the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program Preparatory School in MCRD San Diego, and was subsequently assigned to the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps at Texas A&M University.
After commissioning in 2008, Captain Butler attended The Basic School and Basic Communications Officers Course in Quantico, Virginia. Upon completing training in 2010, Captain Butler was assigned to 7th Marine Regiment at MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms, California.
Shortly thereafter Captain Butler was reassigned to be the S-6 at 3d Battalion 4th Marines, where he deployed in April of 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon redeployment, Captain Butler was assigned to be the S-6A and Communications Operations Officer for Regimental Combat Team 7, and deployed again in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon redeployment, Captain Butler was assigned to be the Commanding Officer for the Marine Detachment at Ft. Gordon, Georgia.