1.21.8.2. After the war, following several flying assignments, Echols served in the Air Corps Experimental Engineering Section from 1927 to 1930. The following year he became chief of the Air Corps Procurement Section. After graduating from the Air Corps Tactical School in 1932, Echols returned to the procurement field as Chief Engineer, Air Corps Materiel Division. In 1938, he was promoted to assistant chief, and earned his first star and the promotion to division chief in October 1940. During World War II, General Echols coordinated the most massive aircraft procurement program in history, as Chief, Army Air Forces Materiel Division. In 1947, he retired, accepting an offer to run the Aircraft Industries Association. He died 15 May 1954.