Colonel Thomas T. Smith was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School Class OCRC 1-82, 27 August 1982. His first duty assignment was as Rifle Platoon Leader, Alpha Company, 1-41 (MECH) Infantry, 2nd Armored Division, Fort Hood, Texas. | His subsequent duty assignments include: Company Executive Officer, Alpha Company, 1-41 (MECH) Infantry, 2nd Armored Division, Fort Hood, Texas; Company Executive Officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-41 (MECH) Infantry, 2nd Armored Division, Fort Hood, Texas; Battalion Maintenance Officer, 1-41 (MECH) Infantry, 2nd Armored Division, Garlstedt, Germany; Company Commander, Charlie Company, 1-41 (MECH) Infantry, 2nd Armored Division, Garlstedt, Germany; Assistant S3, 1-41 (MECH) Infantry, 2nd Armored Division, Garlstedt, Germany; Assistant Professor of Military History, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York; Brigade S4, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas; Battalion Operations Officer, 1-16 (MECH) Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas; Counter Drug Operations Officer, Joint Task Force-Six, Fort Bliss, Texas; Garrison Commander, United States Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania; Commander Detachment 2, Hanoi, Vietnam, Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command; Head, Military History Department, United States Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Director, Combat Studies Institute, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. | Colonel Smith's awards and decorations include: Defense Meritorious Service Medal w/ 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal w/ 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ 4 Stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Unit Cross (with Palm).