The general was commissioned through the Air Force ROTC program in 1969 upon graduation from Texas A&M University. He earned a master's degree from the University of Iowa and completed postgraduate doctoral course work before entering active duty in 1970. A command pilot, he has logged 3,000-plus flying hours in more than 40 aircraft types. He has served as a test pilot and test squadron operations officer conducting developmental flight tests on various weapon systems. He was the Air Staff requirements officer for the Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night system, and the program element monitor for the F-15E and F-22. He later served as the commandant of the USAF Test Pilot School. A certified acquisition professional, he has served as deputy director of the F-16 Systems Program Office and as program director for the Short-Range Attack Missile II, the Short-Range Attack Missile-Tactical, and the Aircraft Systems Program Office. He also served as vice-commander of the Warner-Robins Air Logistics Center, and later, of Air Force Materiel Command.