CPT ELLISON M. SMITH III
Commander

Born in Columbus, Ohio to Air Force parents, CPT Smith became the commander of the Raider Detachment in AUG 2009 He is a former Raider Instructor  and detachment Executive Officer. He earned his Raider Tab in 2007.

He is a 1981 alumnus of the Citadel, graduating as a second lieutenant. He completed four years of US Air Force ROTC including unit field training at Charleston AFB (SC), Columbus Air Force Base (MO), Elgin AFB (FL) and North Field (SC) receiving the USAF Marksmanship Award. He is MEMS qualified and was awarded the Royal Laotian Parachutist Badge. He has earned certification in Search and Rescue and helicopter operations. Among the courses he has completed are Officer Basic Course and Captain's Career Course in 2006 and The Raider Course.

According to CPT Smith, "The Raider Program offers a unique opportunity for training and service for those few special individuals seeking to take the road less traveled."

If  you would like to be challenged in mind, body and spirit, he welcomes your participation.