Master Sergeant Culverhouse enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1987 and attended recruit training from July to September 1987 at Parris Island, South Carolina. He then reported to the School of Infantry to train as a 0331 Machinegunner. From the School of Infantry he reported to B Co 1st Battalion 3D Marines in December 1987. He conducted two unit deployments to Okinawa and one combat deployment to Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm with 1/3.
In July 1991 he attended Marine Corps Security Forces School in Chesapeake Va. and was subsequently assigned as a Corporal of the Guard and Sergeant of the Guard at MCSF Company, Kings Bay, Georgia until June 1993, upon which time he left active duty.
He re-entered active duty in July 1994 and reported to A Co 1st Battalion 9th Marines, which was subsequently re-designated as 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines. He conducted one WESTPAC deployment with E Co 2/1, aboard the USS Mount Vernon, and one WESTPAC deployment with Scout Sniper Platoon of 2/1 aboard the USS Boxer. In E 2/1 he performed duties as a Rifle Squad Leader, Machinegun Section Leader, and the Weapons Platoon Sergeant. In Scout Sniper Platoon he performed duties as the Chief Scout.
He detached from 2/1 in January 1998 and reported to Drill Instructor School at Parris Island South Carolina. Upon completion of DI School he reported to the swim training tank to train as a Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival. He then reported to A Co, 1st Recruit Training Battalion for duty as a Drill Instructor, where he trained five recruit platoons, four as a Junior Drill Instructor and one as a Senior.
In April of 2001 he detached from Parris Island and reported to III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) as the Information Management Chief AC/S G-3 Section. He detached from III MEF in May 2004 and reported for duty at 8th Marines HQ Company as the Company Gunnery Sergeant. In February 2005 he deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom 04-06.
He returned in February 2006 and reported for duty as the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor at Virginia Tech in May 2006.