Anderson returned to the United States in December 1952 and was assigned to Larson Air Force Base, Washington, first as an aircraft commander with the 53rd Troop Carrier Squadron and later as an operations staff officer with the 62nd Troop Carrier Wing.

After completion of the course in September 1955, he was assigned to Hunter Air Force Base, Ga., as a B-47 aircraft maintenance officer with the 308th Bombardment Wing.

In August 1965 he entered the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Fort McNair, Washington, D.C.

Following graduation in June 1966, he joined the Strategic Plans and Policy Division, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, D.C. Anderson was selected in August 1968 to be executive assistant to the military advisor to the personal representative of the president of the United States at the Paris Peace Talks on Vietnam.

In this position, Anderson was top advisor to the senior United States military representative at the talks.

In July 1976, Anderson assumed position as deputy chief of staff, plans and operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force.