Command Sergeant Major Edward E. Russell is a native of California. He entered the United States Army in February 1986, completing Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Command Sergeant Major Russell has served in a variety of leadership positions  including: Pershing Electronic Material Specialist; section chief, Pershing Platoon Control Center; section chief, Pershing Battery Control Center; section chief, MLRS Platoon Fire Direction Center; section chief, MLRS Battery Fire Direction Center; platoon sergeant/chief, fire direction, MLRS Battalion Fire Direction Center; section chief, MLRS Observer Controller, Fire Support Division CMTC, Hoenfels, Germany; Senior Instructor/Writer, Fire Direction Branch; NCOIC, MLRS New Equipment Training Team (AC/RC); MLRS Battalion Operations Sergeant; First Sergeant, and Fires Brigade Operations Sergeant Major. His last assignment was Command Sergeant Major of Brigade Command and Control (BDE C2) Operations Group, Joint Training Readiness Center Fort Polk, LA. CSM Russell assumed duties as the Command Sergeant Major of 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade on 7 October 2010.

 Military and Civilian education includes: Warrior Leader  through Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Courses, Pershing Electronic Material Specialist Course, Pershing II Missile Maintenance Course, Battle Staff Course, Field Artillery Technical Instructor Course, Field Artillery Officer Basic Technical Instructors Course, Field Artillery Tactical Data System Course, Field Artillery Fire Direction Data Management Course, Video Tele-Training Instructor Course, MLRS O/C Basic Qualification Course, Master Fitness Course,  MLRS Fire Direction Course, MLRS Crew Member Course, Unit Movement Officer Course,  Combat Lifesaver Course, the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Course class # 56 and the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Designee Course. CSM Russell is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Administrative Management from Excelsior, University.

Operational and OCONUS assignments include: Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Germany (3), and Korea (2). His Domestic assignments include Fort Hood, TX (3), Fort Bliss, TX, Fort Sill, OK (4), South Dakota (AC/RC), Fort Chaffee, ARK (AC/RC) and Fort Polk, LA.    

 
Command Sergeant Major Russell is a recipient of the Order Of Saint Barber. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (w/6 OCL), Army Commendation Medal (w/10 OLC), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (numeral 4),Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (numeral 5), North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Award, Navy Achievement Medal, Army Superior Unit Award (2 OLC), Drivers Badge (wheel/track).