LtCol Watkins was born in Chandler Arizona. He graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and received his commission in the United States Marine Corps in 2009.
After attending the Basic School, LtCol Watkins attended the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course in Fort Sill Oklahoma where he became an artillery officer. He then reported to 3d Battalion 11th Marines and served as a Forward Observer for golf company 2d Battalion 5th Marines. LtCol Watkins deployed on the 31st MEU supporting Operation Tomadachi and theater security cooperation missions in Thailand and Cambodia. Following deployment, he became Guns Platoon Commander and later Executive Officer of Mike Battery. LtCol Watkins then deployed as the Artillery Liaison Officer and eventually assumed the role as the Fire Support Coordinator for 3d Battalion 4th Marines in support of combat operations for Operation Enduring Freedom.
In January 2014 LtCol Watkins reported to the Marine Corps Information Operations Center and assumed duties as the assistant operations officer. In August 2014 he was assigned as the IO planner for II MEF advise and assist team and deployed in support of combat operations for Operation Inherent Resolve. Following deployment, LtCol Watkins was assigned to the training and exercise support division and managed the IO training support for all SPMAGTF deployments.
In August 2016 LtCol Watkins reported to the Expeditionary Warfare School. Upon completion he reported to 1st Battalion 11th Marines where he assumed the duties as the battalion logistics officer. In January 2018 LtCol Watkins assumed command of Bravo Battery and attached to Battalion Landing Team 3/1 for the 13th MEU deployment. While deployed, he supported combat operations in Syria for Operation Inherent Resolve as well as Theater Security Cooperation missions in Sri Lanka and India. In June 2019 LtCol Watkins reported to the Naval Post Graduate School and graduated in 2021 with a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering with masters certificates in cyber systems operations and communications engineering. Additionally, while at NPS, he completed USMC Command and Staff College. Following NPS, LtCol Watkins reported to MCTSSA and assumed duties as the MCTSSA cyber assessment branch head. Following a successful branch head tour, he reported to 1st Battalion 11th Marines to serve as the Operations Officer. Upon promotion to LtCol he reported to 11th Marine Regiment and served as the Assistant Fire Support Coordinator to the 1st Marine Division followed by Regimental Operations Officer.