Colonel Smith grew up in Medway, ME and graduated from Colby College in 1995 with a B.A. in Chemistry. After graduation, Col Smith worked in the field of Marketing Consulting before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in February 1998 as an infantryman, and in July 1998, LCpl Smith reported to 3rd Battalion 7th Marines.

Upon commissioning through the Enlisted Commissioning Program in April 1999, he attended The Basic School in Quantico, VA, followed by flight training at NAS Pensacola, FL and NAS Whiting Field, FL. 1stLt Smith was designated a Naval Aviator in October 2001 and reported to HMM(T)-164, MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA for training in the CH- 46E.

In May 2002, 1stLt Smith reported to HMM-162, MAG-29, MCAS New River, NC. While assigned to HMM-162, Capt Smith served in the Operations department; completed two Combined Arms Exercises, participated in OIF I as part of the 2d MEB and 3d MAW, and deployed with the 26th MEU (SOC).

In December 2005, Capt Smith reported to MAG-29 to serve in the MV-22 Transition Cell as the facilities modification action officer to support the MAG’s transition to the MV-22 Tiltrotor. In May 2006, Capt Smith transferred to VMMT-204, MCAS New River, NC for MV-22 transition training. In December 2006, Capt Smith transferred to VMM-162, where he initially served as the flightline officer and deployed with the squadron to Al Asad, Iraq in support of OIF 08.01. Upon return from deployment, Capt Smith attended the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course. Maj Smith subsequently assumed the duties as the VMM-162(REIN) Future Plans and Tactics Officer, and in January 2010 deployed with the 24th MEU and supported HA/DR efforts in Haiti under OPERATION UNIFIED RESPONSE.

In June 2010, Maj Smith transferred to MAWTS-1, MCAS Yuma, AZ, where he served as a MV-22 Division Instructor, the MV-22 Division Head, and as the Assault Support Department Head. In July 2013, Maj Smith transferred to the College of Naval Command and Staff in Newport, RI where he graduated with distinction while earning a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies.

In July 2014, Maj Smith reported to VMM-162 where he served as the maintenance officer then as the Executive Officer for the squadron’s deployment with the 26th MEU.

In July 2016, LtCol Smith reported to MAG-26 for duty as the Executive Officer.

From June 2017-May 2019, LtCol Smith served as the Commanding Officer of VMMT-204. During this period the squadron increased its training output by nearly 40% as it trained pilots and enlisted aircrew for the US Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force and the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF).

In July 2019, LtCol Smith reported to the National War College in Washington, DC where he earned a Master of Arts in National Security Studies.

In July 2020, LtCol Smith transferred to the Joint Staff, J-8, Force Application Division (FAD) as the Air and Space Branch Head, responsible for tactical aircraft platforms and weapons capability development and requirements. Col Smith also served as the lead Action Officer for two international capability development cooperation initiatives: Next Generation Capability Cooperation (NGCC) and Australia United Kingdom United States (AUKUS). In October 2021, Col Smith was promoted to his current rank.

From July 2022 until August 2023, Col Smith served as the Director of Operations (DirOps;G-3) for Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5).

Col Smith has completed the WTI Course, EWS (Non-Resident Seminar), Marine Corps Command and Staff (Non-Resident Seminar), Naval Command and Staff College (Resident), and the National War College.

Col Smith’s personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (Third Award), Air Medal (Strike/Flight Numeral 7), and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Third Award).