First Sergeant Ian Watkins is a native of Los Angeles, California. He enlisted in the Marine Corps delayed entry program in June 2004 and attended Recruit Training at MCRD, San Diego where he graduated Private First Class. Upon completion of Recruit Training and Marine Combat Training, he reported to Basic Landing Support Operations School where he received the Military Occupational Specialty 0481.

In May 2005, PFC Watkins reported to Alpha Company, 4th Landing Support Battalion, Ft Lewis Washington. He was promoted to Lance Corporal in September 2005. During that tour of duty, Lance Corporal Watkins participated in exercises in Northern Africa and Eastern Australia. In July 2008 he was promoted to the rank of Corporal.

In March 2010, Corporal Watkins was activated in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was assigned to Security Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 15 and deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan. In January 2011, Corporal Watkins was promoted to Sergeant, serving as vehicle commander conducting route reconnaissance and security patrols. Upon returning from deployment, Sergeant Watkins served as Training Chief for Headquarters & Service Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 23 (formally 4th LSB). 

In September 2014, Sergeant Watkins was promoted to Staff Sergeant and in May 2015 he transferred to Environmental Services Detachment Alpha as an Environmental Team Technician.

In May 2018, Staff Sergeant Watkins reported to CLB-23 as the Future Operations Chief. In October 2019, he was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and received the MOS 0491 Logistics Chief. In January 2020, he mobilized with the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Southern Command 2020, serving as the S-4 Chief and holding collateral duties of Ground Safety Manager and Sexual Assault and Prevention Response Victim Advocate. Upon return from that mobilization, Gunnery Sergeant Watkins assumed the role of Battalion Operations Chief for CLB-23. While there he was a planner for three Battalion exercises. Gunnery Sergeant Watkins was selected to First Sergeant in 2023 and is currently serving as First Sergeant, Battery P, 5th Battalion, 14th Marines in Yakima, Washington.

First Sergeant Watkins' personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal, and the Select Marine Corps Reserve Medal with one silver star.