BG Thomas A. Sharpe was commissioned as an Infantry Officer 9 May 1952 upon graduation from Infantry Officer Candidate School Class 13-52, Fort Benning, Georgia. His first duty assignment as an officer was as a Weapons and Tactical Training Officer at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

His subsequent duty assignments include: Rifle Platoon Leader, Company B, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, Korea; Company Commander, 55th Infantry Brigade, PANG, Scranton, Pennsylvania; Staff Officer, 55th Infantry Brigade, PANG, Scranton, Pennsylvania; Battalion Commander, 55th Infantry Brigade, PANG, Scranton, Pennsylvania; Brigade Executive Officer, 55th Infantry Brigade, PANG, Scranton, Pennsylvania; Brigade Commander, 55th Infantry Brigade, PANG, Scranton, Pennsylvania; Brigadier General, PANG.

His military education and training includes: Infantry Officer Candidate School, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

BG Sharpe's highest military awards include: Combat Infantryman Badge, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Ribbon – Japan, National Defense Service Medal, Korea Service Medal with Two Stars, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Pennsylvania Distinguished Service Medal, Pennsylvania Meritorious Service Medal, Pennsylvania Commendation Medal, Pennsylvania Service Ribbon, Pennsylvania 20-year service Medal, MG Thomas R. White Medal and General T. G. Stewart Ribbon.