Mason Thompson's experience began during his 12 years of service in the US Marine Corps. During this time, he gained valuable experience training others to meet their physical fitness needs as he was often tasked with [successfully] conditioning young adults to become physically prepared for the fire service, military service, and personal fitness needs. During his service he also received an education degree and taught for more than 3 years at the Defense Department's fire academy. During his education studies he attended 2 curriculum development schools and helped develop one of the Defense Department's curriculums that is still used today.