[1] He graduated from John Marshall High School,[2] joined the Virginia National Guard in 1930, and attained the rank of first sergeant before receiving his commission as a second lieutenant in 1935.

[3][4] Between 1935 and 1940 Southward advanced to captain, and he graduated from the United States Army Command and General Staff College in 1939.

[6] After the war Southward pursued a full-time career with the federal government, serving as a Veterans’ Counselor and Business Specialist with the United States Department of Commerce in Richmond.

[11][12] In 1954 Southward was assigned to full-time duty at the National Guard Bureau, serving as head of the Policy and Liaison Office.

[15] Southward was appointed Commander of the District of Columbia National Guard in 1967 and promoted to major general.