[1] Schmidt was appointed to conduct an inquiry into FBI reports that detainees at Guantanamo Bay were being subjected to inhumane interrogation.

[2] The unclassified summary of Schmidt's report acknowledges that one high-value detainee was subjected to almost continuous interrogation, for 18 to 20 hours per day, for almost two months.

General Schmidt also commanded the 5th and 7th Air Expeditionary Wings in Southwest Asia in response to hostile Iraqi maneuvers in the southern no-fly zone.

As Commander, Joint Task Force – Southwest Asia, he led the effort to destroy more than 380 enemy targets.

On June 8, 2008, the Washington Post reported that Schmidt was expected to testify at the military commission of Mohammed Jawad, about the use of the "frequent flyer" program.