He graduated from the Infantry Officer Advanced Course in 1929 and the Command and General Staff School in 1931.

He returned to the Texas National Guard in July 1937, where he would serve as an instructor until August 1940.

[1][3] From June 1942 to May 1944, he served in the headquarters of the US Army Services of Supply.

Abbott served as the commanding general of Camp Beale from May 1944 to February 1946.

He served as the executive officer of the Texas Military District in 1949.