Sergeant Major Soetaert enlisted in the Marine Corps in August 2002 and completed recruit training at MCRD San Diego with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, graduating as Series Honor Man and meritoriously promoted to Private First Class. After earning the MOS of Infantry Rifleman at the School of Infantry-West, he reported to Suicide Charley, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, Twentynine Palms, in January 2003.
In February 2003, he deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom I, where he was meritoriously promoted in combat to Lance Corporal. He deployed again in August 2004 for Operation Iraqi Freedom II, was promoted to Corporal that September, and meritoriously promoted to Sergeant in May 2005.He completed Sergeant's Course in January 2006 as Honor Graduate, later serving as an Assistant Instructor before attending Drill Instructor School in March 2006.
Graduating in June 2006, Sergeant Soetaert earned the Class High PFT, Leadership, and 3rd Honor Graduate awards. He went on to serve as Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Chief Drill Instructor with Company B and Special Training Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, MCRD San Diego. He was meritoriously promoted to Staff Sergeant in January 2008 and recognized as Drill Instructor of the Quarter.
In September 2009, Staff Sergeant Soetaert reported to 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, Camp Pendleton, serving as a Machine Gun Section Leader with Bravo Company before moving to Alpha Company as Platoon Sergeant. He deployed with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2010, training with partner militaries and serving as Chief Instructor for a Jordanian NCO Course. After returning, he attended Career Course, where he was designated “Class First Sergeant.” He later deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit as part of a small boat raid force, serving as Chief Coxswain after completing Coxswain's Course in 2011. That year, he deployed again with the 31st MEU, participating in Exercises Kamandag and Cobra Gold.
In August 2012, he reported to Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific, Coronado, serving as Chief Scout Swimmer Instructor and SNCOIC of Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival. He was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in August 2015 and subsequently reported to 4th Marine Logistics Group, New Orleans, as Training Chief. He was frocked to First Sergeant in 2018.
In May 2018, First Sergeant Soetaert reported to 9th Engineer Support Battalion, Okinawa, serving as Senior Enlisted Leader for Engineer Company A, where he supported Exercise Kamandag by overseeing school construction projects in the Philippines. He later assumed duties as Senior Enlisted Leader for Bulk Fuel Company. In July 2020, he reported to 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion as Senior Enlisted Leader for Company B and H&S Company. During this tour, he also filled the billet of Battalion Sergeant Major for four months before being selected and frocked to Sergeant Major in March 2023.
In May 2023, Sergeant Major Soetaert reported to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 153, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, as Command Senior Enlisted Leader. In July 2025, he assumed his current role with Marine Wing Support Squadron 174.
Sergeant Major Soetaert's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three gold stars, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.