Major Robert Powell enlisted in the Australian Army in 2002 and commissioned as a General Service Officer in 2013 after graduating from the Royal Military College, Duntroon. He has extensive experience in command and staff roles across the 2nd (Australian) Division and combined arms environments.

Major Powell recently served as Officer Commanding for Deliberate Operations protecting RAAF Curtin during Exercise Talisman Sabre 25, integrating security effects within Task Element 670.7.1.5. He previously served as Aide-de-Camp to Commander 2nd (Australian) Division. His operational background includes domestic and international deployments, and he currently commands Charlie Company within 8th/7th Battalion, the Royal Victoria Regiment.