Biography

Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas M. Smart assumed the duties of Executive Officer, Marine Corps Cyberspace Operations Group in May 2026.  Prior to this, he served as a Branch Chief in the Directorate for Command, Control, Communications, and Computers/Cyber, Joint Chiefs of Staff, from July 2023 to May 2026. 
 
His previous assignments include Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff G-6, 3d Marine Division; Branch Chief, Assistant Chief of Staff G-5, III Marine Expeditionary Force; Communications Officer, Combat Logistics Regiment 25; Assistant Operations Officer, Joint Military Assistance Group—Philippines; Assistant Communications Officer, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit; and Radio Platoon Commander, Bravo Company, 9th Communication Battalion.   
 
His operational deployments include service with the Combined Joint Task Force—Horn of Africa, a Western Pacific deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and an Afghanistan deployment with 9th Communication Battalion.  
 
His military awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.  
 
Lieutenant Colonel Smart is a graduate of Ursinus College with a degree in Political Science. He also holds a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.