Colonel Rufus J. Smith was commissioned an Air Defense Artillery Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School, 9 September 1983. His first duty assignment was as Platoon Leader, Battery A 2/174th ADA, Logan, Ohio. | His subsequent duty assignments include: Executive Officer, Battery D (-) 2/174th ADA, Marietta, Ohio; Battery Commander, Battery (-) D 2/174th ADA, Marietta, Ohio; Battalion S-1, HHB 2/147th ADA Hawk, McConnelsville, Ohio; Assistant S-3, HHB 2/174th ADA Hawk, McConnelsville, Ohio; Detailed IG, Headquarters STARC (Det 1-5), Columbus, Ohio; REC & RET MGR, Headquarters  STARC Det 4, Columbus, Ohio; Commander, HHD 237th FSB, Springfield, Ohio; MIL SPT Officer, Headquarters STARC (Det 1/2/4-6/8), Columbus, Ohio; Commander, HHC 371st Support Group, Kettering, Ohio; D.CSPER, JFHeadquarters (OH) (-Det 1), Columbus, Ohio; J3/5/7 Director of Plans Operations and Training for the Joint Forces Headquarters, Ohio. | Colonel Smith's awards and decorations include: Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal w/ Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal w/ Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal w/ Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal (with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Component Achievement Medal w/ Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal w/ Oak Leaf Cluster, Global War on Terrorism Expedition Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Armed Forces Reservist Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army National Guard Basic Recruiters Badge, Ohio Distinguished Service Medal, Ohio Commendation Medal, Ohio Faithful Service Ribbon, and Ohio Special Ribbon.