Dirkland Smith, started his military career in the Mississippi National Guard as a senior in high school. After his initial and advanced training, he enrolled at Jackson State University and received his bachelor's degree in political science in 1995 and his master's degree in public policy and administration (healthcare administration) in 2000.
Smith was commissioned as a Lt. j.g. in the medical service corps of the Navy as a healthcare administrator in 1999.
He is currently recalled to active duty as the director for healthcare professional talent acquisitions and is stationed at Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee.
Smith is married to the former Leandria Jack of Memphis, and has five children: Kerbrietta, Taylor (Jackson State University Class of 2018), Ahmad, AnneMarie, and Addison.
Smith is the son of retired city councilman and longtime educator Robert Smith and retired educator Ida C. Smith.