In June 1929, Howard joined the United States occupation of Haiti, where his duties for the next years included chief of police and department commander, Port au Prince, Haiti. He was returned to the U.S. and assumed duties with the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, until August 1934, at which time he was again transferred to Marine Corps Headquarters. From August 1934 until June 1938, he served as the executive officer, Division of Operations and Training, Headquarters Marine Corps.