R.M.A. Spears retired from the US Marine Corps in 2009, having served 27 years in the Navy and Marine Corps, as an infantry and intelligence officer. He served two tours in Iraq. While serving in the US Navy, he, as well as the other candidates of Aviation Officer Class (AOCS) 06-78, were interviewed by the writer of a script for a movie that would go on to be An Officer and a Gentleman. His educational credits include a BS, MBA, OCS, AOCS, TBS, IOC, AWS, C&S, OIF, OEF, DUI, and a cavalcade of inglorious civilian occupations.

He spends his time reading, writing, remodeling, and acquiring rental property. He now resides in rural Missouri, in his g-g-grandfather's house he restored and added on to. He pursues dual careers in writing and real estate development.