 Smith joined the United States Army Reserve in January 1996 as a Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) officer, transferring to the South Carolina Army National Guard in the same role in August 1998.In 2001, following the September 11 attacks, Smith resigned his commission and enlisted as an infantryman, beginning basic training.In February 2007, Smith deployed to Afghanistan as an infantry officer, part of Operation Enduring Freedom.