[2][3] He served as acting commandant of the Marine Corps between 10 July 2023 and 22 September 2023 while awaiting Senate confirmation.

After completing The Basic School and Infantry Officer's Course, he received assignment to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines as rifle platoon commander participating in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

[6] After a tour as a Marine Officer Instructor at Texas A&M University, he attended the United States Army Command and General Staff College.

In July 2021, he was nominated and confirmed for promotion to four-star general and assignment as Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, succeeding Gary L.

In May 2023, Smith was nominated to succeed General David H. Berger as commandant of the Marine Corps;[17][18][19] his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee was held on 13 June 2023.

[20] Smith became acting commandant upon Berger's retirement on 10 July 2023, as his confirmation was delayed by Senator Tommy Tuberville's hold on military nominees.

Before Mahoney was sworn in on 3 November,[27] Lieutenant General Karsten Heckl was performing the duties of Commandant.