By Lee McMahon, WTC Stratcom

The Army is built on strong leaders. They are the individuals whose impact stays with you for years to come. I had a chance to learn about one such leader from someone just starting his path in the Army. On February 1, CPT Scott Smiley takes command of the West Point Warrior Transition Unit. I had a chance to talk with a first year cadet, Will Webb, at West Point who has known CPT Smiley for nearly 10 years about what kind of leader he is. CPT Smiley is not only becoming a leader of Warriors in Transition, he is a wounded Soldier himself. CPT Smiley was severely injured in a suicide bomb attack in Iraq on April 6, 2005. As a result he lost his sight. This has not stopped him from leading Soldiers and continuing to serve in the Army.

What was your first impression of CPT Smiley?

The first time I met CPT Smiley was Spring of 2000. He and my brother were classmates and he visited our house for the weekend. I was immediately impressed with his humble and personable servant attitude and rock-solid faith. He immediately struck me as the kind of person that genuinely cares about the people he comes in contact with, and someone who I could look up to and emulate.

Has he impacted your experience at West Point with the Army? If so, how?

CPT Smiley has greatly impacted my West Point experience in numerous ways. As an Army Officer and West Point graduate, he has mentored me and supported me through the toughest challenges here at the Academy. As my sponsor, he and his wife, Tiffany, have graciously provided their home as a place of relaxation and refuge from the challenges and demands of the week. And as my bible study leader, he has greatly impacted myself and the others in our group spiritually, and motivated us to choose to walk on the path less traveled, to be godly men of character. There is no doubt that without the influence of CPT Smiley in my life, my overall experience at West Point this year could not have been the same.

What do you think about CPT Smiley taking command of the West Point Warrior Transition Unit?

While I am sad to see CPT Smiley leave his teaching position, I am excited to see him take command of the Warrior Transition Unit. I know that he is thankful for this opportunity, and I am confident that he will continue to excel and have a profound impact on the soldiers that he will soon be commanding.

What are the characteristics of CPT Smiley’s leadership?

CPT Smiley is a selfless, dynamic, and highly successful leader who always puts others first and strives to be a positive influence on them. He is the kind of leader who looks for ways to challenge himself and then eagerly conquers those challenges. As a highly capable and experienced leader, CPT Smiley can be trusted to accomplish any task set before him.

Note: To read an interview with CPT Smiley and his wife Tiffany, please visit the WTC Blog.

Posted byaw2stratcom inSoldier Story CPT Smiley, Warrior Transition Unit, West Point, Will Webb