Maj. Gen. David W. Smith is the Deputy to the Chief of Air Force Reserve, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia. He assists the Chief of Air Force Reserve who serves as the Principal Adviser on Reserve matters to the Secretary of the Air Force and Air Force Chief of Staff. He facilitates matters pertaining to the oversight of Air Force Reserve appropriations for personnel, operations and maintenance, and construction programs for a force of more than 70,000 personnel. As Deputy, he often represents the Chief with other Air Staff agencies in the formulation and development of plans, policies and programs affecting the Air Force Reserve. Maj. Gen. Smith assists the Chief in developing the organizational architecture of the Air Force Reserve in accordance with wartime requirements and budget realities. During mobilization, he advises Air Force officials on capabilities and issues related to mobilization of the Air Force Reserve to plans and policies for recall.
Maj. Gen. Smith earned his commission from the United States Air Force Academy in 1992. He served on Active Duty until 2002 and subsequently transitioned to the Air Force Reserve. During his Air Force career, Maj. Gen. Smith has commanded at the squadron, group and wing level. He is a combat-proven command pilot who has deployed in support of operations Enduring Freedom, three tours supporting Iraqi Freedom, Allied Force, Northern Watch, Southern Watch and Noble Eagle, a career totaling more than 4,000 flying hours and 700 combat hours.
Prior to his current position, Maj. Gen. Smith was the Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, Air Force Reserve Command, Robins AFB, Ga.