Military Career
Ballard joined the United States Army in 1965 through the Army's Reserve Officers Training program. He was designated as an intelligence officer and initially received a commission as a second lieutenant in the Army Reserve. He was called up to active duty in 1967 but requested to fulfill his obligation in the United States Navy. His request was approved, and Ballard was transferred to the Navy Reserve on the reserve active duty list. After completing his active duty obligation in 1970, Ballard was transferred back to reserve status, where he remained for much of his military career, being called up only for mandatory training and special assignments. He retired from the Navy as a commander in 1995 after reaching the statutory service limit.
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