Colonel Tipton is from Orrville, Ohio and a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University.  He was commissioned in 1992 and following graduation from The Basic School, reported to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines for his first tour as a rifle platoon commander.

From 1996 to 1999 he served as an instructor at The Basic School and Infantry Officer Course.  In 1999, he attended the Amphibious Warfare School with a follow-on assignment to the Expeditionary Warfare School staff.  In 2003, he reported to III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group in Okinawa, Japan for duty as the Operations Officer.

 From 2004 to 2007, he was assigned as the Executive Officer for 1st Battalion, 5th Marines where he deployed twice with the battalion; first to Ramadi, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and again as the Battalion Landing Team for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

In 2007, he was assigned to Special Operations Training Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force.  In 2008, he reported to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit as the Operations Officer and deployed in support of the Western Pacific Deployment 09-01.  Following this tour, he assumed command of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines in 2009, and led the battalion to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 10-1. 

In 2011, he attended the Naval War College and upon graduation was assigned to United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) as a strategic planner.  During his assignment to USSOCOM, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2013.

His personal decorations include the Bronze Star (with Combat Distinguishing Device and Gold Star in lieu of second award), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (with Gold Star in lieu of second award), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with Combat Distinguishing Device and Gold star in lieu of second award), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon with one Gold Star.