Maj Ryan “Pudge” Smith is an Instructor of Management at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He also serves as an Advisor in Charge (AIC) for the Management Department. Prior to his current position, he served as the Chief, Test and Evaluation Branch in the Directorate of Operations and Communications, Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. He coordinated operational test and evaluation policy, procedures, and activities for Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), bomber, and helicopter forces across AFGSC. Additionally, he was responsible for test forecasting, reliability scoring, operational reporting, resource planning for conventional and nuclear weapons delivery platforms, and ICBM ground/flight sustainment testing.

Maj Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a Master of Business Administration from San Angelo State University.

Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence (2024)

Master of Business Administration, San Angelo State University, Texas. (2021)

ICBM Maintenance Officer Course, Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. (2020)

Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala. (2019)

ICBM Initial Qualification Training Course, Vandenberg SFB, Calif. (2013)

Bachelor of Science, Management, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo. (2012)

Instructor of Management / Advisor in Charge, Dean of Faculty, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo. (2025 – Present)

Chief, Test and Evaluation Branch, Barksdale AFB, La. (2023 – 2025)

Deputy Chief, Test and Evaluation Branch, Barksdale AFB, La. (2022 – 2023)

ICBM Launch Test Operator, ICBM Test Manager, Director of Inspections, Vandenberg SFB, Calif. (2019 – 2022)

Deputy Missile Combat Crew Commander, Missile Combat Crew Commander, Assistant Flight Commander of ICBM Operations, Instructor Missile Combat Crew Commander, ICBM Evaluator Combat Crew Commander, Chief of ICBM Evaluation Scenarios, ICBM Flight Commander, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. (2013 – 2019)

Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster

Air and Space Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster

Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters

Combat Readiness Medal with oak leaf cluster

National Defense Service Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Air and Space Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service medal with ‘N’ Device

Air and Space longevity Service Medal with three oak leaf cluster

Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon

Air and Space Good Conduct Ribbon with oak leaf cluster

Air and Space Training Ribbon