Colonel Ash was born in Milford, DE and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October 1989, completing Naval Nuclear Power training as a reactor operator in April 1992. He reported to the U.S.S. Jefferson City (SSN 759), as a reactor operator. In August 1993, he transitioned from the Navy as an Electronics Technician Second Class, submarine qualified sailor to attend the Pennsylvania State University, commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in August 1996.
Colonel Ash graduated from The Basic School (TBS) and completed the Infantry Officers Course (IOC) in June 1997, reporting to the 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) Battalion in Camp Lejeune, NC, where he deployed twice to the Republic of Panama. In May of 1999, he was selected to serve as the LAR Detachment commander for Battalion Landing Team 2/6, the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, where he participated in Operation Dynamic Response 2000 in Kosovo.