He enlisted in the Army Air Forces in December 1942 and, after completing the aviation cadet meteorology course at the University of Chicago, was commissioned as a second lieutenant in February 1944.

Aldrich served in a variety of weather-related duties in the United States and the Pacific theater prior to entering pilot training in April 1949.

From 1950 to 1954, he served as aircraft commander and flight operations officer at squadron level in the continental United States.

In July 1968 he started a one-year tour as director of war plans, Military Airlift Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

Aldrich began duties as deputy chief of staff for plans, Military Airlift Command, at Scott Air Force Base, in February 1974.