MG Jeffrey D. Smiley

Major General Smiley assumed command of the California Army National Guard on 1 May 2022, where he is responsible for organizing, training and equipping community-based land forces, maintaining optimum levels of preparedness and readiness for service to the state and nation.

Major General Smiley entered enlisted military service in 1983 as an Engineer with the United States Marine Corps. He subsequently transitioned to the Oregon Army National Guard where he served in the 116th Armor Cavalry Regiment. In 1987, he transferred to the California Army National Guard and was commissioned in 1988 through the California Military Academy, Officer Candidate School. His military assignments include Infantry Company Commands, Brigade Operations Officer, and Aide-de-Camp to The Adjutant General for the State of California. Follow on assignments include Infantry Battalion Operations Officer, 1-184th Infantry (Air Assault); Commander, 95th Civil Support Team; Battalion Commander, 79th Brigade Special Troops Battalion; and Deputy J3, Joint Force Headquarters, California National Guard. Consecutively, with these assignments, he served 10 years with the California National Guard Counterdrug program in staff and command assignments. In 2010, Major General Smiley deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom where he served as Deputy Commanding Officer for 101st Airborne Division’s Tactical Command Post and Senior Mentor to 201st Corps Afghan Army, 202nd Shamshod Afghan National Police, and Zone 1 Afghan Border Police. He followed this deployment with service as the J3, Operations Officer, Joint Force Headquarters, California National Guard. In 2013, he assumed command of 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team followed by service as Chief of Staff for the California Army National Guard. He was promoted to Brigadier General in May 2017 and served as the Deputy Commanding General – Support for the 40th Infantry Division. In June 2018 he assumed command of Combined Joint Task Force – 40th ID, Kandahar, Afghanistan with responsibility for, Train, Advise Assist and Command – South. He followed this deployment with service as the Director of the Joint Staff of the California Military Department where he directed and managed the activities of the Joint Staff, serving as Commander, Joint Task Force Domestic Support.

Major General Smiley has a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Columbia College, Columbia, Missouri and a Masters of Science in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. He is a graduate of the Hayward Fire Fighter Academy; the Alameda County Sheriffs Training Academy; with additional certifications as an Emergency Medical Technician and Hazardous Material Specialist. His military education includes the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, Armor Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms Service Staff School, Command and General Staff College, United States Army War College, Joint Task Force Commander and Dual Status Commander courses, General and Flag Officer Homeland Security Executive Seminar, and Army Senior Leader Development Seminar.

Major General Smiley’s awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal with C device, Legion of Merit with one bronze oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with one silver and one bronze oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, NATO Meritorious Service Medal, NATO Medal with one bronze service star, and Combat Action Badge. State awards include the California Legion of Merit, California Medal of Merit, California Commendation Medal, California Service Medal with silver redwood cluster, California Adjutant General’s Meritorious Unit Citation and Louisiana Emergency Service Medal.