Adams holds a Master of Strategic Studies Degree from the US Army War College and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Central Oklahoma.

He is also a graduate of the CAPSTONE Program at the National Defense University; National Security Management Course at Syracuse University; JTF Commander Course; Harvard University's Black Sea Security Program and General and Flag Officer Homeland Security Executive Seminar; Joint Flag Officer War Fighter Course, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama; George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, Senior Executive Seminar, Garmisch, Germany.

[citation needed] As an American police officer, Adams began his career at the municipal level with the Elk City and Edmond Police Departments from 1980-1986, before joining the ranks of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP).

He then continued a 32-year career, serving at every level within the Highway Patrol from Trooper to Deputy Chief before being selected as the Assistant Commissioner for the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety in 2011.

[citation needed] https://www.dvidshub.net/news/7158/oklahoma-highway-patrolman-guides-police-reform-directorate-afghanistan Colonel Rick Adams, Police Reform Directorate: Overview—Current Operations and Strategic.