San Diego -- Sgt. Chris L. Smith joined the Navy in April 2000 to explore as an aviation electronics technician and seek a challenge. In his journey, he found that only in the Marine Corps could he achieve his goals.
Smith, senior drill instructor, Platoon 1005, Company A, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, used his Navy experience to become a leader in the Marine Corps.
"I wanted to work in aviation and electronics and to be physically challenged so I chose the Navy," said Smith, a native of Mobile, Ala. "I enjoyed the work.”
According to Smith, he wanted a more physical challenge. His time in the Navy did not meet some of his expectations.
"I knew the Navy wasn't for me," said 32-year-old Smith. "I wanted a bigger challenge for myself."
At one of his previous units, Smith had worked with Marines.
According to Smith, he was inspired by the competitive nature of Marines. Marines want to be the most physically fit and the best at their jobs. He remembered that in his squadron there were only a few sailors that wanted to be the best like him.
At the end of his enlistment in 2004, he began to attend Bellingham Technical College to study electronics technology. He earned his associates degree in 2006, but missed the military.
"I realized I wanted to go back to the military," said Smith. "I wanted the discipline, work and ethic, but this time, in the Marine Corps."
He enlisted in the Marine Corps and shipped off to recruit training in Oct. 2006 to become an aviation mechanic. He noticed the difference between the Navy and Marine Corps from the beginning.
"It was all different; the structure, the discipline, the esprit de corps and the pride," said Smith.
Smith aspires to be a senior leader in the Corps. Some of the senior leadership in the Marine Corps have drill instructor experience, which is why in Oct. 2011, Smith volunteered for drill instructor duty. He wanted to train and make a difference to the new breed of Marines who will, eventually, replace him.
"The reason I wanted to become a drill instructor was to be a better leader," said Smith. "It is important to mentor the new generation of Marines because they are going to become, in the future, the leaders of the Corps."
According to Smith, drill instructor duty has taught him different ways to lead and to mentor younger Marines. He also learned how to be a well-rounded leader for others to follow.
During his time as a drill instructor, Smith stressed to his team about work ethic, attention to detail and accountability of their actions. His leadership has made an impact on recruits as well as the leadership he exemplifies with his team of drill instructors.
"As a Marine and as a leader, he is the man to go to. He does as he preaches and has taught me a lot," said 25-year-old Sgt. Nelson P. Chavez, drill instructor. "He really likes what he does. He helps you not just with work but personal questions. We can always go to him."
Once his tour as a drill instructor ends, Smith plans to go back to the Fleet Marine Force and apply his new leadership skills. He wants to return someday to the drill field as a senior Marine to ensure he passes on to others what he has learned.