 Ghormley joined the Marine Corps in April 1967 and served in California with the 1st Force Troops, 1st Redeye Platoon at Marine Corps Base, Twentynine Palms.He was transferred to South Vietnam in 1969 to serve with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines.After having been discharged from active service in 1970, Ghormley joined the Platoon Leaders Course Program and received a bachelor's degree from university as well as a commission to Second Lieutenant in 1973.