MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — After nearly three decades serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, Scott McCartney faced a challenge he wasn’t expecting: figuring out what came next.
The transition from a highly structured military career to civilian life was difficult for the married father of five. But with help from a South Florida veterans program, McCartney found a new mission — one that traded his military uniform for turntables and a classroom.
“My name is Scott McCartney. Also known as DJ Smoove The Rough,” he said.
Today, McCartney is sharing his passion for music with the next generation as a professor at Miami Dade College.
A difficult transition from military life
Before becoming DJ Smoove, McCartney spent nearly 30 years in the Coast Guard, with his service taking him around the world.
“I went as far as Australia, Alaska. Many places in the states, Washington D.C., Florida, of course. Miami, here,” he said.
McCartney ultimately retired at the rank of commander.
“I did very well in the Coast Guard,” he said. “I retired as an O5, which is a commander.”
But retirement brought uncertainty. McCartney suddenly found himself without the structure of military life or a full-time salary.
“My family was behind me, but I really had a difficult time,” McCartney said. “I had a hard time.”
Eventually, he realized he needed assistance navigating the transition.
“I realized I needed help,” he said. “I needed help with the transition.”
McCartney found that support through United Way Miami Mission United, which connects veterans and their families with free essential services.
Vanessa Benavides, vice president of community impact for United Way Miami, said McCartney initially came to the organization seeking employment assistance.
“He came to us specifically for employment services,” Benavides said.
The organization helped McCartney strengthen his resume and rebuild his confidence.
“And that helped open doors and opportunities for him,” Benavides said.
From ‘Commander McCartney’ to ‘Professor Smoove’
One of those opportunities led McCartney to Miami Dade College.
There, he created a curriculum that became the first three-credit DJing college course in the nation, which he now teaches.
McCartney’s military background still influences his teaching style.
Student Omar Sanchez Zelaya, who goes by “Meezy Magic,” said McCartney expects his students to be punctual and prepared.
“This is like DJ Boot Camp,” Sanchez Zelaya joked.
McCartney admits it can sometimes be difficult to leave the commander behind when he enters the classroom.
“My wife always tells me, ‘Tone it down, tone it down. Be more Professor Smoove than Commander McCartney,’” he said.
For students like Amanda O’Connor, who goes by “Sirene Clover,” McCartney’s class has helped uncover abilities she didn’t realize she had.
“I didn’t think that I was musically inclined,” O’Connor said. “Turns out that I am, and I learned that through this class.”
Turning the highs and lows into something good
McCartney’s journey has also included a commitment to education.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and two master’s degrees, one in multimedia journalism and another in telecommunications management.
And he isn’t finished.
In September, McCartney is expected to earn his third master’s degree, this time in music production.
After experiencing both the highs and lows that came with leaving the military and building a new career, McCartney now looks back on the journey with gratitude — and a nod to his DJ name.
“It’s also been an enjoyable road,” he said. “And, it’s also been a SMOOVE road. Smoove the Rough.”
For McCartney, a difficult transition ultimately became an opportunity to find a new purpose — using music and education to help his students discover their own.
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