Major General AJ Smith

Director of Army Basing & Infrastructure British Army

Major General AJ Smith commissioned into the Royal Corps of Signals in 1993. His early service was in Germany and Northern Ireland with 1st (United Kingdom) Division Headquarters and Signal Regiment, 7 Signal Regiment, 16 Signal Regiment and 39 (Infantry) Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron. He was fortunate to command 102 Logistics Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron, 3rd (United Kingdom) Division Signal Regiment and 11th Signal Brigade and Headquarters West Midlands. His final command appointment was of the British Support Team in Ramallah. On the Staff, AJ has been an MA in the MOD, DCOS 20 Armoured Brigade (during Op HERRICK 15), an instructor at Shrivenham, DCOS 1st (United Kingdom) Division and COS Regional Command. He was honoured to be appointed as a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2025. Operational service is at the core of his experience. He has deployed to Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, twice to Northern Ireland as well as 2 years in Afghanistan. AJ has an Engineering Degree from Cranfield University and a Master's Degree from King's College London. He has attended the Advanced and Higher Command and Staff Courses as well as being a member of the Royal College of Defence Studies. On promotion to Major General in September 2025, AJ became the Director Army Basing and Infrastructure, with responsibilities across the Regular, Reserve and Training estate. He is also the Army lead for the Future Defence Infrastructure Services programme. AJ is married to Cat and they have two children – one now serving in the Army and one still at school. He is passionate about fast cars and rugby and is an enthusiastic, but untalented surfer.