Gregory Smith

About this author

Command Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Gregory A Smith is the Chief Executive Officer of TIGRE Global Solutions Inc.  TIGRE Global Solutions Inc focuses on three primary areas of consulting. First, education and leadership development of high performing teams in National Security and high stress/high impact professions. Second, seeking out emerging technology, discreet capabilities, and developmental systems that advance National Security.  Finally, TIGRE Global Solutions Inc advances leadership resiliency by focusing on human performance, brain health, and optimizing individual and team potential.  TIGRE Global Solutions Inc supports an array of United States government agencies, International Allies and Partners, and commercial organizations with strategic risk assessments, educational outreach, and targeted opportunities.

Greg started his military career with the United States Air Force in 1990 as an aircraft armament systems specialist. His initial assignment was with the 3246th Test Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. In 1993, Greg was reassigned to the 355th Fighter Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska where he served as a weapons load crew member on A/OA-10 aircraft.  He completed multiple deployments to the pacific theater.

Greg was selected for special duty as an AC-130H/U Aerial Gunner in 1996. He served as Lead, Instructor, and Evaluator Gunner with the 4th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida.  He also served as the superintendent of Wing Strategic Plans with the 16th Special Operations Wing. In September 2001, Greg was part of the first team to deploy following the terror attacks on 9/11.  He established the first forward operating base and then deployed to Pakistan where he established a joint interagency forward operating location.  In 2009, Greg became the first course director and chief of academics for the Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy (JSOFSEA).

In January 2012, Greg was selected for Command Chief Master Sergeant for the 58th Special Operations Wing where he oversaw the training and readiness for special operations and combat rescue personnel.  Greg was selected as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) in 2013.  While at SOCEUR, he led special operations forces through multiple contingencies in Ukraine, Turkey, and operations in Syria.  In 2015, Greg became the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for NATO Special Operations Headquarters (NSHQ).  In this role, he synchronized Allied Special Operations Forces for employment in support of NATO missions across the globe.  From 2016 to 2019, Greg served as the Command Chief Master Sergeant, Air Force Special Operations Command. His last assignment was as Command Senior Enlisted Leader for United States Special Operations Command.

Greg has deployed multiple times throughout his career, supporting operations in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa. He has flown more than 3500 hours in the AC-130H/U/J, HH-60H, and various aircraft, including 1400 combat hours.  He has completed all professional military education, the Summit Course, and the Keystone Course at the National Defense University. Greg’s awards and decorations include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Air Medal w/Valor with nine oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Combat Action Medal, Polish Medal with Gold Bar, Lithuanian Armed Forces Medal for Special Operations, and the NATO Medal for Yugoslavia.

Greg currently resides in Orchard Park, New York and enjoys running, hunting, and Buffalo Bills football.


Publications from this author