He was subsequently assigned to the 1st Armored Division as a section leader, platoon leader, flight operations officer, and as a personnel staff officer for the 501st Attack Helicopter Battalion. In 1987, he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division as a commander of an air cavalry troop in the 17th Cavalry, and later as the personnel officer of the 82nd Aviation Brigade.
After his initial assignment, he held various leadership roles within the 1st Armored Division, including section leader, platoon leader, flight operations officer, and personnel staff officer for the 501st Attack Helicopter Battalion. In 1987, he was transferred to the 82nd Airborne Division where he served as commander of an air cavalry troop in the 17th Cavalry and later as the personnel officer of the 82nd Aviation Brigade.