[1][2][3][4] Howard graduated from the Naval Academy in 1990 and received a commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy.

He volunteered for Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado and graduated with BUD/S class 172 in February 1991.

Howard’s awards include the Silver Star, four Bronze Stars with Combat Distinguishing Device, six Defense Superior Service Medals, three Legions of Merit, the Navy Combat Actions Ribbon, five Presidential Unit Citations, and four Joint Meritorious Unit Awards.

In November of 2021, journalist Matthew Cole published Code Over Country: The Tragedy and Corruption of SEAL Team 6.

[6][7] Cole reported that Howard and Master Chief Jimmy Lindell would use donors to pay for custom hatchets.