Returning to the United States in November 1954, Potts was assigned as Deputy Director, Combat Developments, Armored School and Center, Fort Knox, Kentucky. He remained in this position until attending the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia, July 1957. After graduating in January 1958, he was assigned to command the 3rd Battalion, 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment and subsequently the 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment, both in Germany. In September 1959 he was reassigned to Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, VII Corps, in Germany.