Fun fact: The character concept actually started with them being Russian and the place they were reassigned to was Siberia. However, along with not being terribly well-versed on Russian military conflicts, there is the issue that they need to eventually end up in Sacramento and I felt that'd make more sense if they were American-born in the first place.
The Iraq War may be a possibility. If they enlisted in their 20s, then they'd be in their 40s by now, which is still decently aged for a "profession" that doesn't see many old werewolves. Though it may not have the same resonance. Either way, I figure the lack of skills can be explained by way of atrophy. Not using them all the time means they're no longer as skilled as they once were. Physical skills are their primary, so the 11 dots are spread so they have some experience in most areas, but only a few that are professional grade. They'll be light on the supernatural element (Gifts, Primal Urge, Renown) for as long as they've been around, but they also probably had their First Change later than others as well (in their 30s or so).
I like the idea of his pack actually being done in by old age. It adds the specter of death to him as well, because it's a very real possibility that it could be his downfall as well.