CSM Lorraine C. Smith becomes the first female Command Sergeant Major and the senior enlisted advisor for the Army Reserve 1st Mission

On Saturday, July 13, 2024, Brig. Gen. Carlos E. Gorbea, commanding officer of the United States Army Reserve, 1st Mission Support Command, in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands hosted the change of responsibility ceremony for Command Sgt. Maj. Lorraine Smith, marking the first time in over 100-year history that a female assumes the role of command sergeant major of the command.

Smith, a native of Brooklyn, New York, enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in October 1997, completing Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Advanced Individual Training at the Quartermaster School, previously known as Fort Lee, Virginia. She has held various leadership positions, including Team Leader, Small Group Instructor, Drill Sergeant, Observer/Controller Trainer, First Sergeant, and Command Sergeant Major. Her dedication to the United States Army Reserve led to her graduation from numerous military courses including the Drill Sergeant Course, Senior Leader Course, and Battalion and Brigade Command Sergeant Major Development Program.

Not only has Smith developed a strong leadership career in the military, but she has also excelled in civilian life, earning a Bachelor of Science from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Management from Northeastern University. Smith serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Regency Hospital Macon, a Select Medical facility.

“GARITA WARRIORS! ALWAYS FIRST!"

The 1st Mission Support Command provides mission command to assigned units of the Army Reserve in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to ensure unit readiness to deploy to war and successfully execute their wartime missions. Most of the soldiers in the 1st MSC have bilingual skills, adding value to the Army and Joint Force.