In 1999, Major Esrey was accepted into the Platoon Leaders Course Commissioning Program and attended the PLC Jr. Course in 2000 and the PLC Sr. Course in 2001. Following his commissioning in December 2001, he attended The Basic School and subsequently the Infantry Officer Course.
In 2003, Major Esrey reported for duty to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines in Camp Lejeune, N.C. From April 2003 to April 2006, Major Esrey served as a rifle platoon commander for Company E, company executive officer, Co F and assistant operations officer. During this tour, he deployed three times in support of the Unit Deployment Program (UDP), OEF (Afghanistan) and OIF (Iraq).
In May 2006, Major Esrey transferred to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island where he served in Third Recruit Training Battalion as series commander, Co K. and company commander, Co M. He completed nine recruit training cycles. From March 2009 to August 2009, he attended Advanced Infantry Officer Course at Fort Benning, Ga. where he graduated on the Commandants List in the top ten percent of his class.
In September 2009, he reported to 3d Battalion, 5th Marines and was assigned as the commanding officer, Co I. He commanded Co I through the battalions deployment to Sangin, Afghanistan. Upon the battalions return from Sangin in April 2011, Major Esrey was assigned as the operations officer in preparation for the battalions deployment in support of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Major Esrey assumed his current duties as commanding officer of Recruiting Station San Francisco in June 2012.
Major Esrey graduated from the University of North Carolina - Wilmington in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies. His personal awards include the Bronze Star Medal (with combat distinguishing device), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (gold star in lieu of second award) and Combat Action Ribbon (with Gold Star).