Making the Switch

Jeremy Smith, 5th Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms instructor, shows a member of the 5th Security Forces Squadron which target to fire at during M240B machine gun training at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Aug. 4, 2016. Smith trains Security Forces Airmen daily on the proper assembly, firing and cleaning of all weapons used at Minot AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Kristoffer Kaubisch)

Making the Switch

Jeremy Smith, 5th Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms instructor, screws in a background to place the target over for M240B machine gun training at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Aug. 4, 2016. Smith made the transition from Active Duty Air Force to the Reserve and now works as a civilian in CATM at Minot AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Kristoffer Kaubisch)

Defenders Take Aim

Jeremy Smith, Combat Arms instructor, loads an M-203 grenade launcher cartridge into a weapon during annual firing for defenders at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., June 15, 2016. Prior to firing, the defenders learned how to break down the M-203 and clean it. To carry the weapon, defenders must qualify annually. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristoffer Kaubisch)

Making the Switch

Jeremy Smith, Combat Arms instructor, looks on as a Security Forces member fires an M-203 grenade launcher during annual firing for defenders at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., June 15, 2016. Prior to firing, the defenders learned how to break down the M-203 and clean it. To carry the weapon, defenders must qualify annually. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristoffer Kaubisch)

Making the switch

Published Aug. 5, 2016
By Senior Airman Kristoffer Kaubisch
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The transition from active duty to civilian can be challenging, but also rewarding. Whether a person is retiring, separating early, palace chasing or at the end of their enlistment, the transition into becoming a civilian can be difficult if you’re not prepared.

Jeremy Smith, 5th Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms instructor, joined the United States Air Force in 2009. He made his way up the ranks, working different positions within security forces before submitting his package for Combat Arms.

“I started in CATM in December of 2012 at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, my first base. I have always wanted to be a teacher, so I thought that CATM would be the best way to do it,” said Smith. “I would be able to do two of the things that I enjoy doing--shooting guns and teaching people how to shoot.”

Smith came to Minot in 2013, still in the Combat Arms section. Although he moved to a new base, he was glad to still be doing the job that he loved.

“My favorite part about the job would be someone telling me they aren’t good at firing, but then I teach them the right way to fire and they are willing to learn,” said Smith. “Seeing the excitement in their face after they fire, that’s what I love most.”

In 2014, Smith decided to palace chase from active service and go to the Reserve so he could be closer to his father. He did a year in the reserves at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York. After the Reserve, Smith transitioned into the civilian life in 2015, but it wasn’t easy.

“The transition was hard; it didn’t go as smooth as I wanted it to. If I could give anyone advice for when they get out or palace chase, it would be to make sure that you have a job lined up for when you get out,” said Smith. “I was jobless for about two or three months, so I fell on hard times. As soon as the civilian spot at Minot opened up for CATM, I just went right back into my old routine.”

Smith explained that the biggest difference between active duty and civilian CATM is that he doesn’t have any troops to supervise. However, they go to him as if he were still a staff sergeant in the Air Force and ask him questions because they know he is knowledgeable about the job.

“The main difference is that they wear a uniform and I don’t,” said Smith.

Now as a civilian in Combat Arms, Smith continues to do what he loves.

“This is my passion, it is the best job I’ve ever had. Coming back to Minot was easy decision for me, it is better than any other place that I have worked,” said Smith. “I’ve been to Germany, Guam, Hawaii, Texas, Alaska, all those places. This has to be the best place that I have been to, the people make it.”