Dr. Pierce served as a naval officer for 28 years, retiring in 2005 as a captain from the Naval Postgraduate School as associate dean. He commanded the USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41) and was Chief of Staff, Amphibious Forces 7th Fleet. He is currently serving as the director of the U.S Department of Homeland Security Center of Innovation at the U.S. Air Force Academy for the DHS Science and Technology director.