Bennett received a direct commission in the U.S. Air Force in 1950 and entered active duty in April 1951 at Greenville Air Force Base, Mississippi. After graduation from pilot training in May 1952, he served as a pilot and aircraft maintenance officer in the 94th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron at George Air Force Base, California, and in the 526th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron at Landstuhl Air Base, Germany. In May 1958 Bennett was assigned to Reserve Officers' Training Corps duty at West Virginia University. He joined the 76th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron at Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts, as a pilot and maintenance officer in August 1961.
