COL Kirk M. Knight was commissioned as an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School, Class 37-69, at Fort Benning, Georgia on 5 November 1969. Following OCS, he was accepted for fixed wing flight school, graduating in 1970. After a second tour of duty in Vietnam, he successfully completed the transition to rotary wing aircraft and then returned to Vietnam for a third combat tour.

His subsequent duty assignments were primarily served in the special operations community. In addition to Vietnam, he served during combat operations in Somalia and as a liaison officer during the Battle of the Black Sea. Later assignments included Commanding Officer of Information Systems at Fort Rucker and as the Commander of the U.S. Army Parachute Team, "The Golden Knights." His final assignments were as Deputy Director for Plans and Policy at the Joint Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg and as U.S. Army Attache in Ottawa, Canada.

His military education includes: Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Airborne, Ranger, Pathfinder, Air Assault, Free Fall Parachute, Master Fitness Trainer, Command and General Staff College and the Army War College.

His highest military awards include: the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (2nd Award), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4th Award), Air Medal (6th Award), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Combat "V" Device, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Aircraft Crewman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Ranger Tab and many other service ribbons.

Following his military career, he was employed as a civilian with the U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida. In addition to completing nearly 8000 jumps, he was recognized as the 2019 recipient of the United States Parachute Association Gold Medal for Meritorious Service.