Darryl Smith — From Navy Chief to Kingdom-Driven Leader

Darryl Smith’s journey to Houston Christian University (HCU) is one marked by discipline, service, transformation and a calling that has only grown clearer with time. A former Navy Chief Petty Officer and Military Police Officer, Darryl spent his military career training sailors, enforcing order and mentoring younger service members both in tactical readiness and in character. What he didn’t know then was that these early experiences were planting the seeds of a vision God would later bring to life.

After completing his service in the U.S. Navy, Darryl was looking for more than just a degree—he was searching for a place where his military experience, his faith and his desire to lead others could converge. HCU’s Christ-centered mission, combined with its commitment to veterans, immediately stood out. “I wasn’t just looking for education; I was looking for transformation,” Darryl shared. “HCU has provided that.”

What began as an idea formed during his time as a military police officer—where he saw firsthand how training could be the difference between chaos and control—started to take shape with new clarity once he arrived at HCU. Through his classes, mentorship, and the spiritual community on campus, Darryl began to see that tactical readiness alone wasn’t enough. God was showing him that spiritual readiness must go hand-in-hand with tactical training, and together they form the foundation of true leadership. That revelation became the blueprint for what would eventually become Urban Warfare Academy—a Christ-centered training initiative aimed at equipping veterans, at-risk youth and community members both physically and spiritually.

Discipleship had long been woven into Darryl’s life, even during his Navy years as he mentored younger sailors in more than just procedures. But when he was introduced to the “Every Man a Warrior” discipleship program at HCU, everything clicked into place.

“[The program] gave language to what I had already been carrying,” he said. “It showed me what intentional discipleship looks like and revealed the core of what Urban Warfare Academy needs to be—a place where spiritual growth is built into the DNA just as much as tactical training.”

Like many veterans, Darryl’s transition from military life to campus life came with challenges. Moving from the structure of the Navy to the independence of academic life required humility, determination and resilience. Being an older student among many younger classmates sometimes felt daunting. But the Veteran & Military Services community at HCU, combined with supportive professors and a strong faith foundation, made all the difference.

“It was the people here who made the transition possible,” Darryl reflected. “The staff understood what veterans carry. Professors challenged and encouraged me. And the faith community reminded me that I wasn’t walking this path alone.”

Darryl’s academic training at HCU has brought together two sides of his identity: his tactical background and his theological development. This merging is now shaping Urban Warfare Academy into a mission that seeks to build character, strengthen faith and transform communities. “HCU equipped me academically, spiritually and practically to step forward as a leader—one who can impact both faith and community.”

Following graduation, Darryl plans to devote himself to growing Urban Warfare Academy, expanding its reach to veterans, youth in need of guidance and everyday people seeking strength and stability. His goal is to build an academy grounded in biblical truth, tactical excellence and transformational discipleship—raising up a generation of leaders who are both spiritually grounded and mission-ready.

“Lean into discipline, but also lean into grace. Discipline will carry you through the long nights, but grace reminds you that you’re not walking this journey alone. Build your community, invest in relationships and let your story speak. You are stronger than you realize.”