Husband earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Texas Tech University in 1980 after five years of study.

Upon graduation, Husband was commissioned as a pilot in the United States Air Force, having been enrolled in ROTC his last two years of college.

[2]: 30, 32 In December 1987, Husband was assigned to Edwards Air Force Base in California, where he attended the USAF Test Pilot School class 88A along with future Canadian Space Agency astronaut Chris Hadfield.

In the F-15 Combined Test Force, he was the program manager for the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 increased performance engine, and also served as the F-15 Aerial Demonstration Pilot.

In June 1992, Husband was assigned to the Aircraft and Armament Evaluation Establishment at Boscombe Down, England, as an exchange test pilot with the Royal Air Force.

[3][1] Husband's wife, Evelyn (born September 18, 1958), details her Christian life with Rick and his struggles to fulfill his lifelong dream to become an astronaut in the 2004 book High Calling: The Courageous Life and Faith of Space Shuttle Columbia Commander Rick Husband co-written with Donna VanLiere.