His last military assignment was as the 29th Commander, Air Education and Training Command (AETC), Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.

As commander, he was responsible for the recruiting, training and education of all US Airmen.

Air Education and Training Command consists of 13 bases, more than 92,000 active duty, reserve, guard, civilians and contractors, and 1,750 trainer, fighter and mobility aircraft.

On July 16, 2010, he was awarded the Order of the Sword by the airmen of the Air Education and Training Command.

Rice Jr. on November 17, 2010, and retired from the Air Force on January 1, 2011.