 After completing the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in June 1980, Allen was assigned as chief of the Nuclear Contingency Branch, Strategic Operations Division, Directorate of Operations, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, D.C.He transferred to the 92nd Bombardment Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, as vice commander in January 1982 and in August 1982 assumed command of the wing.In addition to his accomplishments while wing commander, he developed Fairchild's Year 2000 Plan, a far-reaching plan to replace many old buildings and modernize the base.