Hammond attended the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, receiving bachelor's and master's degrees in special education.

From 1984 to 1987 he returned to the University of Southern Mississippi, where he served as assistant professor of military science.

In the mid-1990s Hammond took command of the 4th Battalion, 29th Field Artillery, part of the 1st Armored Division in Germany, leading them during Operation Joint Endeavor in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

He later served as the Army's Director of Operations, Readiness and Mobilization before taking command of the 4th Infantry Division on 19 January 2007.

Hammond currently serves as the Director, Military and Veterans Student Affairs at The University of Southern Mississippi.