Colonel Smith enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 1989. His assignments included 1st Combat Engineer Battalion deploying for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in August 1990 and Operation Restore Hope I in November 1992. Additionally, he served in Marine Wing Support Squadron 374. Colonel Smith’s highest enlisted rank was Staff Sergeant. 

Colonel Smith commissioned through the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program graduating Summa Cum Lauda in 1999 from Oregon State University. In June 2000 Colonel Smith graduated from The Basic School and attended the Armor Officer Basic Course with follow-on assignment to 1st Tank Battalion. Colonel Smith deployed to Egypt for Bright Star 2002 and Operation Iraqi Freedom I. 

On return from Iraq in July 2003 he reported to 4th Tank Battalion. He deployed with the battalion to African Lion 2006. In July 2007 Colonel Smith completed the Expeditionary Warfare School and reported to 1st Tank Battalion. He deployed with the battalion to Mongolia for Exercise Kahn Quest and to Romania for the Black Sea Rotational Force. He commanded the last tank company rotation from 1st Tank Battalion to Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

In July 2010 Colonel Smith reported to the Tactical Training Exercise Control Group. In July 2013 Colonel Smith graduated as a Distinguished Graduate from Command and Staff College with a Master of Arts in Military Studies. He reported to 1st Tank Battalion and deployed to Afghanistan as an Individual Augment working in the Commander International Security Assistance Force Advisor and Assistance Team (CAAT). In July 2016 he reported to Headquarters Marine Corps, assigned to the Deputy Commandant, Program and Resources serving as the Program Development Officer for the Marine Corps. 

Colonel Smith’s command tour was from June 2018 to June 2020 as the Inspector-Instructor of the 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division. In July 2021 Colonel Smith graduated as a Distinguished Graduate from the United States Army War College with a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies. Following, he was assigned to Manpower Management Enlisted Assignments as Section Head for Enlisted Assignments. On selection to Colonel, he was transferred to Training and Education Command in July 2022 and served as the Director, Range and Training Programs Division.  In July 2023, he assumed command of Headquarters Battalion, Training and Education Command.

Personal decorations include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, two Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medals each with the combat “V” device, NATO/ISAF Medal, and two Combat Action Ribbons.