Sergeant Major Calvin E. Smith Jr.
Sergeant Major, Marine Air Control Group 38
Sergeant Major Calvin E. Smith Jr., enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on 16 August 1984 in the Delayed Entry Program and attended Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC in August of 1985. Upon completion of Recruit Training he was meritoriously promoted to PFC and transferred to Naval Air Station Millington, TN to attend the Aviation Machinists Mate Turbojet School. Upon completion of the prescribed course, he was assigned the Primary Military Occupational Specialty 6011 and received orders to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, CA where he was assigned as a AH-1J/W Plane Captain. During this time, PFC Smith participated in two Unit Deployment Programs to Okinawa, Japan. He was promoted to the rank of LCpl on 1 May 1986 and to Cpl on 1 June 1988.
In May 1989, he transferred to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, CA. In 1 November 1990, he was promoted to the rank of Sgt.
In September 1993, Sgt Smith received orders to Drill Instructor School, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA. Upon graduation, Sgt Smith was assigned as a Drill Instructor, Golf Company, 2d Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA. During his tour he filled the billets of Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor.
Upon successful completion of his tour, Sgt Smith received orders to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, CA where he was assigned as an Engine Test Cell Operator.
In September 1996, Sgt Smith received orders to Marine Light Attack Squadron 267, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, CA where he was the ASNCOIC for the Flight Line. He was promoted to the rank of SSgt on 1 November 1996.
In June 1998, SSgt Smith received orders to Marine Light Attack Squadron 369, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, CA where he was again assigned as the ASNCOIC for the Flight Line.
In December 1998, SSgt Smith requested to return to the drill field and received orders to Drill Instructor School Prior Course aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, CA. He was assigned to Companies A, B, & C, 1st Recruit Training Battalion. During this tour, he served in various billets including Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, Series GySgt, Company 1stSgt, and as the Battalion Operations Officer. On 1 June 1999, he was promoted to the rank of GySgt.
On 1 November 2002, he was promoted to the rank of 1stSgt. 1stSgt Smith received orders to 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, CA where he was subsequently assigned as the Company 1stSgt for Alpha Company. In January 2003, 1stSgt Smith deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM where it transitioned in to Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in March 2003. While deployed, he was the Alpha Company 1stSgt. He went on to deploy again from February 2004 to October 2004 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II.
In May 2005, he received orders to Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, CA where he filled the billet of Squadron SgtMaj for Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron. On 1 August 2006, he was promoted to SgtMaj.
In July 2007, SgtMaj Smith participated in the Mongolia Enlisted Leadership Program and was TAD to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and acted as the SNCOIC.
In March 2008, SgtMaj Smith received orders to 7th Communications Battalion, III MEF Headquarters Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force aboard Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan and served as the Battalion SgtMaj.
In March 2010, SgtMaj Smith arrived at Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, CA.
In February 2011, SgtMaj Smith assumed responsibilities as SgtMaj of Marine Air Control Group 38, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, CA.
In February 2013, SgtMaj Smith received orders to Marine Aircraft Group 50, deploying as the MAG-50 SgtMaj.
In June 2013, SgtMaj Smith received orders back to Marine Air Control Group 38 where he re-assumed duties as the Group SgtMaj, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, CA.
SgtMaj Smith’s personal decorations include: the Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star in lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star in lieu of second award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two Gold Stars in lieu of third award, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.