After becoming qualified as an army aviator in 1993, he served on active duty in Hawaii and Colorado and advanced from second lieutenant to captain.

During his time on active duty, James served in Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy and Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of the Stabilization Force (SFOR).

In 2015, he graduated from the United States Army War College with a master of science degree in strategic studies.

He graduated in 1992 with a bachelor of science degree in foreign affairs and received his commission as a second lieutenant in the Aviation Branch.

[8][10] After receiving his commission, James attended the Aviation Officer Basic Course at Fort Rucker, Alabama from June 1992 to July 1993.

[11] From June 1993 to October 1994, he was assigned as executive officer, of Company C, 2nd Aviation Regiment at Camp Stanley, South Korea.

[11] After graduating in August 1998, he was assigned to the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Carson, Colorado, where he served as the 4th Squadron's assistant S-3.

[11] From June 2002 to March 2003, James served as Intelligence and Operations staff officer (S-2/3) for the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion in Brooklyn.

[4] While serving in the National Guard, he pursued a civilian career in business and finance, and became a vice president of the New York Life Insurance Company.

[12] The division held a formal change of command ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania in mid-November.