Lieutenant-Colonel Smid earned a B.A. (Honours) in Political Studies and an M.A. in International Trade from the University of Saskatchewan. He served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 28 years culminating in command of the 7th Toronto Regiment. He is a graduate of the Joint Command and Staff Program, invested in the Order of Military Merit, was awarded the Medal of Bravery, and earned the Canadian Forces Decoration with clasp. Lieutenant-Colonel Smid has served on operational tours in Kosovo, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Lebanon. He is a private pilot who enjoys running, reading, archery, and family time with his wife, Lisa, and their daughters, Tatyana and Natalya.