Mantenuto did not actively pursue an acting career, appearing in only two other films, including the Matthew McConaughey feature Surfer, Dude. He ultimately enlisted in the United States Army and served as a Special Forces communications sergeant ("Green Beret"). Mantenuto was part of HHC, 1st Special Forces Group, according to his Army Special Operations Command bio in 2016 he was deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Army Times reported that during his Service he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, three Army Achievement Medals, three Good Conduct Medals and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.