Lieutenant Colonel Carey was born in Gaithersburg, Maryland on 2 March 1981.  He was commissioned in May 2003, upon graduation from the Pennsylvania State University.  Following graduation from the Basic Officer Course and Infantry Officer Course, he reported to 3d Battalion, 6th Marines in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

As a Rifle Platoon Commander in Co L, he deployed with the battalion to Afghanistan in 2004 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  As a Weapons Platoon Commander, he again deployed with the battalion in 2005-2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Following a brief assignment as the battalion's Assistant Operations Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Carey was reassigned as the training officer for Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools from July 2006–April 2007.

In April 2007, Lieutenant Colonel Carey reported to The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia.  While at The Basic School, he served as a Warfighting Instructor, Infantry Platoon Commander, Basic Officer Course and Warrant Officer Course Staff Platoon Commander, and Infantry Officer Course Instructor.  Following his tour at The Basic School, he attended the Expeditionary Warfare School, graduating in May of 2011.

In June 2011, Lieutenant Colonel Carey reported to 1st Battalion, 2d Marines, in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina for duty as the Charlie Company Commander.  While with 1st Battalion, 2d Marines, he deployed with the 22d MEU in 2012 aboard the USS Gunston Hall.  Upon return from this deployment, Lieutenant Colonel Carey was reassigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marines.  In 2014, he deployed with the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit as the Battalion Landing Team Operations Officer aboard the USS Bataan.

From June 2015 to July 2017, Lieutenant Colonel Carey served as the Combat Arms Majors Monitor.  Following completion of this tour, he reported to Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia where he graduated from both the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and the School of Advanced Warfighting.  Upon graduation from the School of Advanced Warfighting in 2019, Lieutenant Colonel Carey reported to 2d Marine Logistics Group for duty as a MAGTF Planner.  In June of 2020, Lieutenant Colonel Carey assumed the additional duties of Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff G-3 until departing in June 2021.

Lieutenant Colonel Carey holds a Bachelor of Science in Crime, Law, and Justice from the Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Military Studies from Marine Corps University, and a Master of Operational Studies from Marine Corps University.  He is married to Mrs. Geraldine Carey.

Lieutenant Colonel Carey’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device, and the Combat Action Ribbon with gold star.