Midshipman Andrew Downs began attending Eastern Michigan University in 2014 and was a member of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Michigan until graduating in May of 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management Technology. Upon receiving his degree, Midshipman Downs would report to Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia on 7 July 2018. He would successfully complete the course on 18 August and commission as a Second Lieutenant of Marines. 
 
Second Lieutenant Downs would report to The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia on 1 October, 2018 and complete the Basic Officer Course as a member of Alpha Company 1-19. He would graduate the Basic Officer course in April of 2019. On 6 January 2020 Second Lieutenant Downs reported to the Infantry Officer Course as a member of the 2-20 class and would graduate in March of 2020 earning the MOS 0302 Infantry Officer.
 
From March 2020-February 2023 Second Lieutenant Downs was assigned to 1st Platoon, India Company, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines for duty as a Rifle Platoon Commander and deployed to Okinawa, Japan in support of the Unit Deployment Program (UDP). During the UDP, First Lieutenant Downs would be assigned to Headquarters and Service Company and serve as the Executive Officer. Upon returning from the deployment, First Lieutenant Downs would complete the workup for deployment with Headquarters and Service company as well as attend the Winter Mountain Leader course and obtain the additional MOS of Winter Mountain Leader. He would deploy again in support of the UDP in 2022. 
 
In February of 2023, First Lieutenant Downs reported to Headquarters Company, 23d Marine Regiment where he currently serves as the Inspector and Instructor. 
 
His personal awards include: Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.