CSM Powell entered active duty in January 1981, attending Basic training at Fort Knox , KY and Army Individual Training at Redstone Arsenal, AL., where he was trained and awarded the Military Occupational Skill of Ammunition Specialist, 55B.

CSM Powell's assignments include tours in the 82D Aviation Brigade, HHC, Division Support Command, 82D Airborne Division, 2d Materiel Management Center and the Corps Distribution Command, 1st Corps Support Command, Fort Bragg, NC; Assistant to the Inspector General, Pentagon, VA; 101st Corps Support Group, Fort Campbell, KY; 1-12th Cavalry, Fort Knox, KY; CSM, 80th Ordnance Battalion; SPO NCOIC, 3rd BDE, 2ID; 1SG, 63D Ordnance Company and 268th Attack Helicopter Battalion, Fort Lewis, WA; 48th Ordnance Detachment, 41st Ordnance Company, and Miesau Army Depot, Germany; 1SG, 52d Ordnance Company, Korea; Johnston Atoll Chemical Facility, HI; CSM, United States Army Garrison, Carlisle barracks, PA; Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom I, II, and III.

CSM Powell distinguished himself in leadership and Staff positions from Team Leader to Command Sergeant Major, First Sergeant, Battalion and Brigade Support Operations NCO, Distribution Management Team SGM; I and II Marine Expeditionary Forces Liaison, OIF II and III; Command Sergeant Major, Carlisle Barracks Garrison.

CSM Powell's military and civilian education include PLDC, BNCOC, ANCOC, Battle Staff, Master Fitness Trainer, Equal Opportunity Leaders Course, Assistant Inspector General, Quality Management Circle Trainers Course; Master Driver Trainers Course, Airborne and Air Assault Courses. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Excelsior College and is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Campbell University. His Awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (1 OLC); Meritorious Service Medal (4 OLC); Army Commendation Medal (7 OLC); Army Achievement Medal (3 OLC); The Army Good Conduct Medal (8th award); National Defense Service Medal (3d award); Global War on Terrorism, Airborne and Air Assault Badges.