First Sergeant Smulski is a native of Elmhurst, Illinois. He graduated from York High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, reporting to MCRD San Diego on September 14th, 2008. Upon completion of recruit training, Private First Class Smulski reported to Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry West (ITB, SOI-W) to undergo basic Infantry training. While at ITB, he earned the MOS 0311 Infantry Rifleman, graduating as Honor Graduate and was meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal on March 2, 2009.
Lance Corporal Smulski received orders to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division and served as Fire Team Leader and deployed on the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Lance Corporal Smulski was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal on June 2nd, 2011. Corporal Smulski deployed on the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit serving as Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant, Maritime Raid Force Platoon. Corporal Smulski was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant on February 2nd , 2013, and then deployed with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit serving as the lead squad leader for Alpha Company’s Small Boat Raid Force.
On July 1st, 2014, Sergeant Smulski reported to Drill Instructor School, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. Throughout his tour, he served as Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor for India Company and Lima Company where he earned the title of “Best New Drill Instructor”. Sergeant Smulski was promoted to Staff Sergeant on November 1st, 2016.
Staff Sergeant Smulski reported to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines in October 2017. Within 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, he served held the billets of Platoon Sergeant, Weapons Platoon Sergeant, and Company Gunnery Sergeant for two Unit Deployment Programs to Okinawa, Japan. Staff Sergeant Smulski completed Infantry Unit Leader’s Course graduating in the top three and was also selected as the courses “Instructors Choice” in 2019. In December of 2020, Staff Sergeant Smulski reported to Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay Georgia where he served as Platoon Sergeant and Company Operations Chief. On June 2nd, 2021, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant.
In December of 2024, Gunnery Sergeant Smulski reported to Headquarters and Service Battalion (HQSVCBN), U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC). During his time with MARFORPAC, Gunnery Sergeant Smulski served in the billets of G-3 Watch Chief, Headquarters Company Gunnery Sergeant, and Battalion Operations Chief. In January of 2025, Gunnery Sergeant Smulski was Frocked to the rank of First Sergeant.
His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal in lieu of one gold star, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in lieu of fourth award, and the Good Conduct Medal in lieu of fifth award.