[1] Bannister attended Pepperell High School in Lindale, Georgia, then completed his General Educational Development diploma.

[1] He enlisted in the United States Army in 1979 and served for three years as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division.

[1] Bannister attended Campbell University, from which he graduated in 1984 with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

[1][2] While in college, he took part in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program, which he completed as a Distinguished Honor Graduate.

[1] His subsequent professional development and education included the Infantry Officer Advanced Course and the Airborne, Pathfinder, and Ranger schools.