A 1983 graduate of Purdue University’s School of Aeronatuical and Astronautical Engineering, he holds master's degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA as well as the Naval War College. He retired in 2009 after serving twenty-six years in the Navy. A nuclear-trained Surface Warfare Officer, he served aboard five ships, and most recently at sea as Executive Officer in USS GUNSTON HALL (LSD 44). His shore assignments include Steam Propulsion Instructor at Senior Officer Ship Material Readiness Course, Financial Policy Officer at Headquarters Staff, U.S. Transportation Command, and Professor of Strategy in the Strategy and Policy Department at the Naval War College. Professor Oard is also the Shields Fleet Captain of Coasters Harbor Navy Yacht Club, the Treasurer for Shields Fleet 9, and active in the sail training program at the Naval Station Newport Marina.