Joshua M. Smith

Decorated United States Air Force veteran with 23 years of distinguished service, culminating in senior enlisted leadership roles at the squadron and group levels. Led and mentored over 500 personnel across 17+ geographically dispersed units. Recognized for developing future leaders, managing military training programs, and executing high-impact global operations. Committed to instilling discipline, integrity, and excellence in young cadets as a JROTC Instructor.

• Chief Leadership Course, 2022
• Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, 2018
• Senior Enlisted Joint PME, 2015
• Kisling Noncommissioned Officer Academy, 2012, John L. Levitow Honor Graduate
• Airman Leadership School, 2005, Distinguished Graduate
• Professional Manager Certification, CCAF, 2017
• Combat Weather Team Ops Course, 2004
• Weather Apprentice Course, 2002
• Eligible for AFJROTC Instructor Certification through HQ AFJROTC

• Meritorious Service Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters)
• Joint Service Commendation Medal
• Air Force Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
• Army Commendation Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
• Joint Service Achievement Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
• Air Force Achievement Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
• Joint Meritorious Unit Award (1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
• AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device
• AF Organizational Excellence Award

• 2019, Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award, 2d Weather Group
• 2018, SNCO of the Year, 2d Weather Squadron
• 2016, Weather SNCO of the Year, 17th OWS
• 2012, John L. Levitow Honor Graduate, NCO Academy
• 2006, USAFE Battlefield Weather NCO of the Year
• Multiple unit-level and MAJCOM-level Awards for Organizational Excellence

• Combat deployments supporting Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, FREEDOM SENTINEL, and INHERENT RESOLVE
• Held key leadership and training roles in Germany, South Korea, Iraq, Qatar, Honduras, United Kingdom, and multiple U.S. installations
• Senior-level advisor roles supporting Joint Forces, SOF, and conventional units

• Senior Enlisted Leader, 5th Combat Weather Group, Ft. Liberty, NC, 07/01/22, Present, Serves as Senior Enlisted Leader for 503 Airmen across 17 locations nationwide., Provides leadership oversight for training, morale, welfare, and quality of life across two combat weather squadrons., Advises commanders supporting 2 Corps, 8 Divisions, and 37 Brigades on environmental intelligence for global operations., Manages deployment readiness of forces and $14.3M in capabilities for worldwide contingency operations.
• Senior Enlisted Leader, 18th Combat Weather Squadron, Ft. Bragg, NC, 09/01/21, 07/01/22, Directed squadron operations, overseeing readiness and professional development of 150+ Airmen across multiple units., Advised command staff on enlisted issues, morale, and training standards., Maintained oversight of support to US Army ground and aviation operations.
• Squadron Superintendent / Operations Superintendent / NCOIC, Various USAF Weather Units, Global Assignments, 01/01/01, 12/31/21, Provided expert leadership at all levels, from small-unit teams to regional commands., Executed battlefield weather forecasting in support of combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan., Led METOC operations for SOF, Army, and Joint/Combined forces., Recognized repeatedly for excellence in both technical skill and personnel management.

• Meritorious Service Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters)
• Joint Service Commendation Medal
• Air Force Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
• Army Commendation Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
• Joint Service Achievement Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
• Air Force Achievement Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
• Joint Meritorious Unit Award (1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
• AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device
• AF Organizational Excellence Award

• 2019 – Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award, 2d Weather Group
• 2018 – SNCO of the Year, 2d Weather Squadron
• 2016 – Weather SNCO of the Year, 17th OWS
• 2012 – John L. Levitow Honor Graduate, NCO Academy
• 2006 – USAFE Battlefield Weather NCO of the Year
• Multiple unit-level and MAJCOM-level Awards for Organizational Excellence