Solhjem is a North Dakota native who enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1974. He has a BA from North Central University and a Master of Divinity degree from Bethel Theological Seminary; additionally, he is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College. In 1988, he began serving as a U.S. Army chaplain. His 49-year career in the Army, which included deployments in support of Operations Desert Shield/Storm, Uphold Democracy, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Inherent Resolve, culminated with his being appointed U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains. He retired from the Army on 1 August 2023. He and his high school sweetheart, Jill (Walberg) Solhjem, have been married since 1977; they have four children and numerous grandchildren.