Over the last 26 years, COL Towns has commanded the 5^th Special Forces Group NBC Detachment; 63^rd Chemical Company; 22d CBRN Battalion (Tech Escort); and the U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Leonard Wood.

His other assignments of note include Joint Chiefs of Staff Intern; Aide to the CG of JTF-Guantanamo; Asymmetric Warfare Group CBRN Officer; S3/XO of 23d CBRN Battalion; Chief of Officer Training at the USACBRN School; Deputy Commander of 3d Chemical BDE; and Branch Chief at Army Human Resources Command.

He has extensive requirements determination experience serving as the HQDA Synchronization Staff Officer for Decon/Smoke; Director of Requirements at the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence; and as Deputy Director of the Joint Requirements Office for CBRN Defense.

COL Towns holds a BA in Biology from Boston University, a Master of Science in Public Administration from Central Michigan University, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the US Army War College.