Colonel Billy Joe Orr was commissioned as an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Infantry Officer Candidate School, 8 August 1969. He reported to his first duty assignment as Platoon Leader, 4th Battalion, 21st Infantry Division.

His subsequent duty assignments include: S1, 4th BN, 21st ID; Company Commander, 2-2 IN (BCT); Special Projects Officer, Military Personnel Center; TRADOC Distribution Officer, Military Personnel Center; Chief, Enlisted Personnel Branch, 1st ID; Deputy Adjutant General, 1st ID; Secretary of General Staff, 1st ID; Deputy Adjutant General, 32nd Army Air Defense Command; Commander, MEPS, Military Entrance Processing Command; G-1, 1st ID; Adjutant General, 1st ID; Commander, 43rd AG BN (Reception); Chief, Enlisted Recruiting and Retention Division, HQDA, Pentagon; Deputy Chief of Staff Personnel/G-1, HQDA, Pentagon; Commander, 5th Personnel Group; Adjutant General, V Corps; Chief, Enlisted Distribution, Enlisted Personnel and Management Directorate, Total Army Personnel Command; Deputy Director, Enlisted Personnel and Management Directorate, Total Army Personnel Command; Chief of Staff, Total Army Personnel Command, Pentagon.

His military education and training consists of: Infantry OCS; Infantry Advanced Course, Jungle Warfare School, Adjutant General Corps Advanced Course, Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College.

His military awards and decorations include: Distinguished Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Legion of Merit, RVN Gallantry Cross Unit Citation (w/Palm), Bronze Star (w/OLC), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (w/4 OLC), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (w/OLC), National Defense Service Medal (w/Star), Vietnam Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon (w/Bar).

COL Orr is also a founding member of the Adjutant General Corps Regimental Association and an inductee of the Adjutant General Hall of Fame.