Maj Rachel E. Smith is an Instructor of Management at the U.S. Air Force Academy, where she educates and develops future Air Force and Space Force leaders. Prior to this assignment, she attended Air Command and Staff College. Maj Smith previously served as the Director of Operations at the 721st Aerial Port Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, where she led 500 military and civilian professionals in executing aerial port operations supporting missions across Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia.

Maj Smith previously served as Aide-de-Camp to the Superintendent of the Academy, coordinating engagements with senior military leaders, government officials, civic leaders, and foreign dignitaries. Throughout her career, she has held diverse logistics and leadership positions, including Installation Deployment Officer, Flight Commander, and instructor. She received her commission from the Academy in 2014 and began her military career at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.

Master of Science, Military Strategic Studies, Air Command & Staff College (2026)

Squadron Officer School (2019)

Master of Science, Supply Chain Management, Air Force Institute of Technology (2018)

Logistics Readiness Officer Course (2014)

Bachelor of Science, Humanities, U.S. Air Force Academy (2014)

Instructor of Management, Academic Wing, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. (May 2026 – Current)

Student, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala. (July 2025 – May 2026)

Director of Operations, 721st Aerial Port Squadron, Ramstein AB, Germany (July 2023 – July 2025)

Aide-de-Camp to the Superintendent, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. (July 2020 – July 2023)

Air Freight Flight Commander, 305th Aerial Port Squadron, JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. (March 2016 – July 2020)

Student, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio (August 2016 – March 2018)

Installation Deployment Officer, 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron, FE Warren AFB, Wyo. (July 2014 – August 2016)