Maj. Kavanagh was raised in Valhalla, New York. He graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in May 2013, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science. He was then awarded the Anna Sobol Levy Foundation Fellowship and studied Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem from August 2013 to August 2014.
Upon completion of The Basic School and the Infantry Officers Course, Major Kavanagh was assigned as a Combined Anti-Armor Team Platoon Commander with 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, deploying to Iraq in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. Upon his return, Major Kavanagh received orders to Third Recruit Training Battalion, MCRD Parris Island, where he was assigned as a Series Commander and then Company Commander. During this time, he deployed as an Individual Augmentee to Iraq in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. After completing the Maneuver Captains Career Course, Major Kavanagh served as Headquarters and Service Company Commander and then Weapons Company Commander for 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, deploying with the 26th MEU(SOC). Major Kavanagh then received orders to 3d Marine Raider Support Battalion, where he served as the Executive Officer.
His Professional Military Education includes Infantry Officers Course, Expeditionary Warfare School Distance Education Program. Maneuver Captains Career Course, and Command and Staff Distance Education Program. Major Kavanagh's decorations include a Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (gold star in lieu of 2nd award), and the Army Achievement Medal.