United States Forces Japan
In April 1966 Pursley became military assistant to the secretary of defense, serving successively with secretaries Robert S. McNamara, Clark Clifford, and Melvin Laird. In August 1972, Pursley was assigned as vice commander, Fifth Air Force, with headquarters at Fuchu Air Station, Japan. He was appointed commander, United States Forces Japan and commander, Fifth Air Force, in November 1972.