Brig. Gen. Kirk Smith, formerly director of force management and deployment at the U.S. Special Operations Command, has been appointed as deputy commander of the Special Operations Joint Task Force-Afghanistan, the Defense Department announced Friday.
He will spearhead SOJTF-A in efforts to carry out counterinsurgency, security and counterterrorism missions in Afghanistan.
Smith has recorded 3,395 flight hours as a command pilot of T-37B, T-38A, UH-1H, MH-53J and MH-53M aircraft.
He previously served as director of strategic plans, programs and requirements at the Air Force Special Operations Command and special assistant and director of the commander’s action group at USSOCOM.
The brigadier general also held positions at the 27th Special Operations Wing, Air Force Senior Leader Management Office and 16th Special Operations Wing.
Smith’s military awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal.
He also holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Air Force Academy and a master’s degree in international relations from Troy State University.
