Smith ’21: BR Spirit in Action

Cadet Troy Smith ’21 is the regimental commander and a computer and information science major from Waxhaw, North Carolina. He was selected to be in the Institute Honors program and receives funding for his education from the Mr. & Mrs. Robert D. Beeton 1987 Scholarship and the Stephen H. Sewell, Jr. 1960 Scholarship.—Photo by Micalyn Miller, VMI Alumni Agencies.

By Molly Rolon, Associate Editor

As the regimental commander, Cadet Troy Smith ’21 is one of the Corps’ most recognizable cadets. He “absolutely” did not picture himself in this position when he matriculated. On that day, his thoughts were on leaving his family and the almost “insurmountable” challenge he was undertaking.

“I had no inkling that I would be the one this year standing in front of all those aspiring rats, those [who] just signed the Matriculation Book, to give them the same kind of speech I heard three years earlier and prepare them for their journey,” he said. “It’s been completely humbling to be in this position. It’s been an honor, and I’m just living up to it the best I can, the way I was shown, and [with] what I’ve learned in my time here.”

Like many cadets, Smith chose VMI because he had a desire to serve in the U.S. military— and because of the challenge. When selecting colleges, he only looked at military colleges. He has two older brothers, and one, Shane Smith ’15, attended VMI. Through his brother, Smith became familiar with the Institute. He considered and applied to other colleges, but in the end, VMI was what he chose.

When he looks at other colleges now, even service academies, he is certain he made the right choice. In his four years, he’s become part of a close-knit community, cultivated by VMI’s unique class system. “[It] brings you into a network of people who you can really rely on and that you feel invested in even once you’ve left the school,” he said.

Smith takes things one step at a time, while also keeping the big picture in mind. The computer science major and Institute Scholar looks at everything he needs to accomplish and breaks it down into prioritized tasks. He completes each task, then moves to the next. Smith’s method has proven effective: He has maintained a 4.0 GPA, has been part of the boxing team, is commissioning in the Army, and is a central part of a leadership team that has shepherded the Corps of Cadets through a difficult year.

“It’s really about mentally preparing ... just taking it one step at a time, one task at a time,” he explained. “You’re not worried about the task five hours from now, you’re worried about what you’re doing that’s right in front of you.”

Smith’s assignment as the regimental commander was announced in spring 2020, shortly before COVID-19 changed the world. He knew the position involved tremendous responsibility; the pandemic compounded this. This year has been his most challenging at VMI.

“Trying to motivate and inspire and maintain discipline in a very unusual ... setting,” has been tough, he said. There are always changes, many of which can affect cadets’ futures—plus, all cadets are still attending college and striving to do well academically. “Everybody’s looking to you like, ‘OK, what do we do next?’ And it’s hard because you don’t have the answers [for] what comes next.”

After the Corps was sent home in mid-March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Smith began a consistent stream of communication with other Corps and Institute leaders. His first task, announcing the rising 2nd Class’ rank appointments—was in civilian clothes from his living room. In meetings with leadership, every aspect of cadet life—from how cadets would eat in Crozet Hall to what rat training would look like—was covered. Corps leadership held a virtual retreat over the summer and were able to return to post earlier than usual.

His spot at the top of VMI’s cadet military structure would be lonely, Smith said—except for his brother rats. He’s grown close with Cadet Dylan Stoltzfus ’21, class president, and had excellent support from other Corps leaders, including his executive officer, staff captains, and battalion commanders. The group has “made some hard decisions together.” It’s “definitely the BR spirit in action,” Smith said.

In his free time, he’s enjoyed the boxing club— this year, a casualty of the coronavirus. He also writes short stories and poetry. He was published in Cadence, the cadet literary magazine, last year. “There are a few ways, especially these days, to express the extra energy and to kind of get your own creativity ... out there,” he said. “Especially when the majority of my days consist of military regimen, kind of following procedure and protocol, it’s nice to have a creative outlet.”

In May, Smith will pin on gold bars and start a new journey as an officer in the Army’s military intelligence branch. He’ll actually begin his military service as a field artillery officer. He is part of the Army’s branch detail program, which lends junior officers to a combat branch for a few years before they transition to their basic branch.