BOISE, Idaho — Maj. Gen.-select James E. Smith, Assistant Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, Cyber and Nuclear will pin a new rank later this month, assuming the new position as Vice Director for Joint Force Development on the Joint Staff.
When Smith assumes this new position, he will be the first Guardian to fill a director or vice director role on the Joint Staff, according to a news release from the Air Force Press Desk.
Smith graduated from Meridian High School in 1991, subsequently graduating as the Top Graduate in 1997 from the the United States Air Force Academy. He initially joined the Air Force because of his grandfather, who he shares a name with.
In a news release, Smith said, "I found out pretty early at the Air Force Academy I wasn't in love with flying to the same extent as many others, but I really enjoyed the astronautical engineering courses. This led to a masters in Astronautics following graduation from the academy and a 22-year career in the Air Force working space programs and space operations. When the U.S. Space Force was established in 2019, it was a natural transition - and incredible opportunity - to continue working national space issues in a new service with a renewed focus on the criticality of defending our space capabilities."
When asked how his experience growing up in Idaho has shaped his career and perspective, he said that he learned to value freedoms and benefits of our American way of life.
"My experiences reinforced a belief that through hard-work and perseverance, just about any opportunity is open to you. Importantly, through the example of family, friends and great teachers and mentors, I also learned those freedoms and benefits aren't guaranteed and sometimes sacrifice is required to ensure their preservation," said Smith.
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