After graduating with honors from Yale University in 1969, Captain Rose reported for flight training at Pensacola, Florida. Commissioned as an ensign in 1970, he was designated a naval aviator one year later.

From 1971-74, Captain Rose flew with Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Six (HC-6), served as squadron legal officer, and deployed to the Mediterranean and Western Pacific. During this tour of duty, he also completed a master of science program in management sponsored by George Washington University.

Following selection for the Navy's Law Education Program, Captain Rose received his juris doctor degree from the University of Virginia law school in 1977. He is admitted to practice before the United States and Virginia Supreme Courts. After finishing Naval Justice School, he reported to the Naval Legal Service Office in Pensacola, Florida, and served as defense and trial counsel with additional duty as staff judge advocate for Training Air Wing Six. In 1979, he became the staff judge advocate for the Pensacola Naval Air Station.

From 1980-82, Captain Rose served as executive assistant to the Judge Advocate General of the Navy, with collateral duties as JAG public affairs officer and as editor of the JAG Journal and Off the Record. After completing the graduate and military judge courses at the Judge Advocate General's School, U.S. Army, Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1983 he reported to the Naval Justice School for duty as an instructor (1983-84) and as academic director (1984-86). From 1986-88 he was commanding officer of the Naval Legal Service Office on Guam.

In 1988-89, Captain Rose attended the senior course at the Naval War College, graduating with the highest distinction. During this academic year, he received the NWC Colbert Memorial and the 1989 Joint Chiefs of Staff Writing Prizes for essays on strategic issues. From 1989-90, he served as Force Judge Advocate for Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic. During 1990-93, he did a tour of duty with the Office of the Secretary of Defense as Deputy Director for Policy Planning (Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict). In 1993-94, he served as Fleet Judge Advocate for the Atlantic Fleet and from 1994-2000 as Staff Judge Advocate for U.S. Atlantic Command/U.S. Joint Forces Command. In early 2000, he retired from military service and became the civilian director of Legal Affairs for NATO's Supreme Allied Command Transformation.

Captain Rose has authored numerous articles on legal, maritime, and strategic issues. His decorations included the Defense Superior Service Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal. He is married to the former Mary Ellen Ciarletto of Norwalk, Connecticut. They have two daughters, Rebecca, age 30, and Melissa, age 25.