CDR Bridges was commissioned through the NROTC program at Duke University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1993.

Following the Supply Officer Basic Qualification Course, CDR Bridges served as Supply Officer, USS AUGUSTA (SSN-710) where he conducted two operational deployments and received the VADM Robert F. Batchelder award for significant contributions to the supply readiness of operating forces.

In 1997, CDR Bridges reported to FISC San Diego, where he completed a petroleum internship while concurrently serving as the Supply Officer and Food Service Officer of SUBASE San Diego. Following, he served as Fuels Officer, Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. In 2001, he reported to USS ANTIETAM (CG-54) as Supply Officer.

Next, CDR Bridges attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey CA where he earned a Master's of Science in Operations Research (with distinction). While there, he was awarded the Military Operations Research Society Stephen A. Tisdale Graduate Research Award, the Chief of Naval Operations Award for Excellence in Operations Research, and the Monterey Council Navy League Award for Highest Academic Achievement, the school's top student academic award. Following NPS, CDR Bridges was assigned to the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Assessment Division (OPNAV N81) as a Force Structure, Integration and Strategic Planning Analyst and Futures branch head. Before reporting to DLA Troop Support-Pac, CDR Bridges was a Distinguished Graduate from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington DC with a Masters of Science degree in National Resource Strategy.

CDR Bridges is qualified in Submarines as a Submarine Supply Officer and as a Surface Warfare Supply Corps Officer. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards).