Cdr. Rick Jarchow a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1996. He commissioned in 2007 through the Limited Duty Officer Program and was designated a submarine repair officer. He graduated in 2012 from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration and graduated in 2015 from Central Michigan University with a Master of Science degree in Human Resources Administration. His professional military education includes the U.S. Army’s Command and General Staff College for Joint Professional Military Education in 2015.

His operational assignments include tours aboard USS Asheville (SSN 758), USS Springfield (SSN 761), and Platoon THREE, Advanced SEAL Delivery System, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE, which included deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).

Assignments to shore billets include Navy Recruiting District Michigan, once as an enlisted recruiter and once as operations officer; Recruit Training Command Great Lakes as learning standards officer; Military Entrance Processing Station Milwaukee as commanding officer; and Naval Personnel Command as PERS 832 branch head.

He reported as executive officer of Recruit Training Command in June 2022.

His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corp Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards) and various unit and campaign awards.