After graduation, Anderson was commissioned a second lieutenant of infantry but was switched to cavalry and performed frontier duty until 1895. He was in the
Ghost Dance War of 1890. In June 1897, he graduated first in his class from the
Infantry and Cavalry School at
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In 1898, Anderson served in the
Puerto Rican campaign. For his service in Cuba, he received three
Silver Star commendations. After the
Spanish–American War, Anderson taught tactics back at the Military Academy from August 1898 to August 1902. Anderson was promoted to major in February 1912. From March 19, 1919, to February 23, 1921, he commanded the
13th Cavalry and the post of
Fort Clark, Texas. From April 3, 1921, to October 11, 1922, he commanded the
Ninth Cavalry at Camp Stotsenberg in the
Philippines, then he organized and commanded the
26th Cavalry of Philippine Scouts from October 1922 until January 6, 1923. After thirty-eight years of service, Anderson retired as a colonel on April 28, 1923. On June 21, 1930, his brigadier general's star was restored by an act of Congress. ==Awards ==