Colonel Arthur "Bug" Bruggeman completed NROTC/Platoon Leaders Course in 2001 while attending the University of Florida. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology in 2001 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on December 15, 2001. After completing The Basic School, he entered flight training at NAS Pensacola, Florida, with follow-on training at NAS Whiting Field, Florida. He was winged as a Naval Aviator on May 19, 2004, at NAS Kingsville, Texas. After completing flight training, he reported to Marine Attack Training Squadron 203, Cherry Point, North Carolina, for training in the AV-8B Harrier.
Following qualification in the AV-8B, in November 2005, Captain Bruggeman was assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 542 in Cherry Point, North Carolina. While assigned to the Tigers, he served as Squadron Logistics Officer and Division Officer for the Powerline and Airframes divisions. In March 2008, he deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, supporting the 24th MEU, flying combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In September 2009, Captain Bruggeman was reassigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, as the Battalion Air Officer. While assigned to 1/2, he completed the Tactical Air Control Party Course and was subsequently awarded the secondary MOS 7502 Forward Air Controller.
In March 2010, he deployed to Musa Quelah, Afghanistan, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. In October 2010, Captain Bruggeman reported to Marine Attack Squadron 231. While at VMA-231, he served as the Director of Safety and Standardization, Quality Assurance Officer, Pilot Training Officer, Assistant Operations Officer, and Aviation Maintenance Officer. During this assignment, he completed Weapons and Tactics Instructors Course 2-12 and was subsequently awarded the secondary MOS 7577 Weapons and Tactics Instructor. He deployed in September 2012 to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
In July 2014, Major Bruggeman reported to the Naval War College to attend Naval Command and Staff. While at the War College, he attended the Maritime Advanced Warfare School and, following completion, was subsequently awarded the secondary MOS 0505 MAGTF Planner. In September 2014, Major Bruggeman reported to Headquarters Marine Corps, assigned to Aviation Plans and Policies as the APP-5 MAGTF Planner. In July 2018, Major Bruggeman reported to Marine Aircraft Group 14 and was assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 231 as the Executive Officer.
In June 2019, LtCol Bruggeman was reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 14 as the Executive Officer. In December 2019, LtCol Bruggeman took command of Marine Attack Squadron 223 as the Commanding Officer. In July 2021, LtCol Bruggeman was assigned to Top Level School at the National War College. In June 2022, LtCol Bruggeman was assigned to the Joint Staff (J-33 Current Operations). In March 2023, LtCol Bruggeman was reassigned as the Deputy Executive Assistant (EA) to the J-3, Director for Operations. In January 2024 LtCol Bruggeman was promoted to Colonel and reassigned as the EA to the J-3, Director for Operations. In July 2024, Col Bruggeman reported to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Okinawa Japan and assigned as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (AC/S G3). In July 2026, Col Bruggeman was assigned his current position of Group Commander and took command of MAG-14.
Colonel Bruggeman has accumulated over 2500 hours in the AV-8B, UC-12W+, and F-35B. His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, Air Medal with combat distinguishing device and numeral "8" Strike device, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, as well as numerous campaign and service awards.