Sheetz taught at the CGSC in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas from 1939 to 1941, before moving on to become Assistant Chief of Staff in the United States Department of War.

[2] In October 1949, following a period of service in Korea, Sheetz replaced Major-General William W. Eagles as military governor of Okinawa, and began a number of efforts to revive and repair the islands' economy, and to democratize the government.

[3] This was the first concerted effort in four years to repair the damage to the island and its economy caused by the 1945 battle.

As part of a series of courses aimed at improving conduct among the troops, Sheetz asked Occupation forces to see themselves as diplomats.

Expenses involved in the construction of the Occupation forces' military complexes was hoped to aid the local economy, though, after disagreements with local landowners over the cost of the land, the United States Military Government of the Ryukyu Islands simply appropriated the land without compensation.