Major General Dowd retired after 35 years of Service. In his last active duty assignment, he served as the Director of Logistics Operations for the Defense Logistics Agency, similar to the role of a chief operating officer. In this position, he managed a $44 Billion dollar budget, directed a 26,000 person work force, and oversaw global logistics support for all military forces. 

Prior to assuming that position, he served as Commanding General, 1^st Theater Sustainment Command, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait where he commanded 18,000 personnel stationed throughout the Middle East and Fort Bragg. As part of his responsibilities, he oversaw the equipment drawdown of U.S. Military forces from Iraq.  His team also developed the current logistics structure being used to remove equipment from Afghanistan. 

General Dowd assumed command of the 299^th Forward Support Battalion deploying to Bosnia to support Operation Decisive Edge.  He also commanded the Division Support Command, 1^st Armored Division, U.S. Army Europe and 7^th Army, deploying to support the war in Iraq.  His joint assignments include Logistics Plans Officer, United States Atlantic Command, Norfolk, Virginia; Director, Logistics, Engineering and Security Assistance, United States Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, and as the Director for Logistics, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.