Command Sergeant Major Davin Powell enlisted into the United States Army in 1997 as a 14 Romeo, Bradley Linebacker Crewmember. He attended Basic Training at Fort Knox, KY and Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Bliss, TX. Upon completion of AIT, CSM Powell was assigned to Charlie Battery 1-44 ADA at Ft. Carson, CO. While stationed at Ft. Carson, CSM Powell initially served as a Stinger dismount and worked his way up as first a driver, and finally, as a gunner before being promoted and moved into the Battery HQs to serve as the Operations NCO.
After his ETS from active duty, CSM Powell joined the South Carolina Army National Guard in November 2000 where he was assigned as a squad leader for Bravo Battery 2-263 ADA. During his assignment to Bravo Battery, CSM Powell was one of the first two South Carolina Army National Guard Soldiers to ever attend the Avenger Master Gunner Course. Upon his graduation, he was assigned as the Battalion Master Gunner and later as the First Sergeant for HHB 2-263 ADA.
Upon his promotion to Sergeant Major, CSM Powell was assigned as the Operations Sergeant Major for 2-263 ADA and later transferred to the 263d Army Air and Missile Defense where he served as the G3 Operations Sergeant Major from 2016 to 2019. While assigned as the Operations Sergeant Major for the 263 AAMDC, CSM Powell served as the Avenger Weapons subject matter expert (SME) and coordinated directly with SMDC and PM S.H.I. E.L.D for all things Avenger / SHORAD related. He was also responsible for all Avenger Operational Needs Statements (ONS) resulting in the most recent and future weapons system upgrades.
In May 2021, CSM Powell assumed responsibility for 263d Army Air and Missile Defense Command where he served as the Command Sergeant Major until his selection as the 15th Command Sergeant Major for the State of South Carolina on March 2026.
CSM Powell has mobilized with the 2-263 ADA on three separate occasions in support of Operation Noble Eagle in various levels of leadership. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with 6 oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal w/ six Oak Leaf Clusters; Master Gunner Badge, Master Space Enabler Badge, German Armed Forces Troop Proficiency Badge 2nd Award, the Honorable & Ancient Order of Saint Barbara Award, and numerous other awards.
CSM Powell and his wife Elisha have two daughters and reside in Seneca, South Carolina.