After graduating from American University in 1980, Ward worked as the PC Support person for a market research firm, became a computer consultant with regional and international clients, owned the fourth largest jazz record auctions in the world, and eventually did extensive international travel and some writing on various topics including international relations. He has been published in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Parameters (the journal of the Army War College), the Nation, International Security, Joint Force Quarterly (the journal of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs), and others. Ward is currently retired.