Harding Polk attended the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) before transerring to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1910 and received a commission. In 1911-1912, he participated in the Phillippine campaign against the Moros. During World War I (WWI), he was an artillery officer. From 1925 to 1929, he served as commandant of VMI. Polk also was a colonel of the 7th Cavalry.
From the description of Harding Polk papers, undated. (US Army, Mil Hist Institute). WorldCat record id: 57425430