[1][2][3] He graduated from Frankfurt American High School in 1964, and attended Bowling Green University before deciding to enlist in the United States Army.

Abrams enlisted in the United States Army on 16 January 1966, and after completion of his initial training, he attended Officer Candidate School.

[5] He received a Master of Science degree in public administration from Shippensburg University in 1986 as part of his completion of the United States Army War College.

[7] Abrams was promoted to lieutenant general in 1995 and assigned as commander of V Corps, which included participation in Operation Joint Endeavor.

[4] He was the president and chief executive officer of John Abrams Learning & Information Systems, Inc., a consulting and technology firm.