Harold Ohlke enlisted in the aviation cadet flying training program in 1936. He completed pilot training in October 1936, but did not receive a commission as second lieutenant, Army Air Corps, Reserve, until June 10, 1937, because of budget and manpower limitations at that time. He was called to extended active duty in June 1937 and after serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1966 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.