At a time when global tensions are escalating and U.S. military operations are increasing, a Captain for Life has a new, high-pressure responsibility in the U.S. Army.

Lt. Gen. James M. Smith ‘92 has formally assumed leadership of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.

The command is responsible for maintaining the highest quality of life for soldiers, families, and civilians across 104 Army installations from Korea to Poland.

Smith was formerly one of the Army’s top officers in Europe, where he led the 21st Theater Sustainment Command (TSC), headquartered in Kaiserslautern, Germany. There, he was responsible for supporting troops throughout Europe and Africa. Now his responsibility extends worldwide.

With more than 50,000 civilian and enlisted personnel, IMCOM proudly describes itself as “the Army’s Home.”

“Army installations are communities that provide many of the same types of services expected from any small city. Fire, police, housing, and childcare are just some of the things IMCOM does in Army communities every day,” states IMCOM’s description.

The past year has been a whirlwind for Smith. He was appointed to the rank of lieutenant general and formally assumed command at IMCOM in October. It is the latest highlight in what has been a remarkable career of public service for the Hampton native.

Smith graduated from Christopher Newport with a degree in business administration and a concentration in accounting. He immediately commissioned into the Army and, to this day, applies what he learned to his daily responsibilities.

“Both institutions encourage service and leadership and you are expected to act honorably in all that you do,” Smith said. “The commitment to community service that was instilled in me at Christopher Newport has continued to guide my career. The knowledge I gained as a student has served me well and so have the many ways the liberal arts curriculum taught me to think and communicate.”

Once in the Army, Smith continued his education, earning master’s degrees from Webster University, Florida Institute of Technology, the U.S. Army Command General Staff College, and the Marine Corps War College.

His assignments have spanned the world, and he was deployed several times to combat zones in Iraq and Kuwait. Smith’s awards and decorations include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, the Parachutist Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

Along the way, Smith never lost touch with his Peninsula roots nor the values he learned at Christopher Newport. His remarks at his IMCOM assumption of command ceremony reflected the importance of those connections.

“Today’s ceremony signifies my expressed commitment to lead this organization in the highest order of duty, honor, and selfless service,” he said.