He received a bachelor of science degree from Oklahoma A&M College, Stillwater, in 1957 and was commissioned a second lieutenant through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program.

After completing graduate degree requirements in June 1967, General Hughes received F-4 replacement training at George Air Force Base, Calif.

He was then assigned to the 558th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, from March 1968 to April 1969.

General Hughes was then selected as the assistant director for the Joint Chiefs of Staff and national security matters.

In July 1984 he was assigned as the assistant deputy chief of staff for plans and operations at Air Force headquarters.