Sergeant Major David M. Potter enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January 1998 and graduated recruit training from Mike Co., 3d RTBn, MCRD Parris Island, SC, in April 1998. After attending Marine Combat Training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina., Pvt. Potter attended F/A 18 Airframe School in Pensacola, FL, and Lemoore, CA.
After training, PFC Potter served as an F/A 18 airframe mechanic at VMFA-321, MAG 49 Det. A., 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), Andrews AFB, Md. from November 1998 to November 2000. He deployed to Cairo, Egypt, to support Operation Bright Star in October 1999.
In November of 2000, Cpl Potter reported for duty at VMFA(AW)-242, MAG 11, 3d MAW, MCAS Miramar CA, where he deployed to Iwakuni, Japan, for a six-month UDP and was promoted to Sergeant. After returning from deployment, Sgt Potter was transferred to VMFAT-101, awaiting separation from the Marine Corps. While at VMFAT-101, Sgt Potter was honorably discharged on 30 September 2003 after Congress lifted the military stop loss.
On 15 May 2004, Sgt Potter was accepted for reenlistment in the Prior Service Enlistment Program and reported for duty at RS San Diego as a Recruiter Assistant. On 3 January 2005, Sgt Potter was transferred to HMM-161 for On the Job Training, awaiting orders to attend Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS) at NAS Pensacola, FL.
In June 2005, Sgt Potter reported to the Naval Aircrew Candidate School for training. Upon completion of NACCS, Sgt Potter reported for training at MCAS New River, NC, for CH46E helicopter maintenance in July of 2005. In October 2005, Sgt Potter reported to MCB Camp Pendleton for CH46E Crew Chief flight training.
In February 2006, Sgt Potter reported for duty at HMM-365 as a CH46E Crew Chief and Deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2006 and 2008.
Upon returning from the 24th MEU deployment in Afghanistan in 2008, SSgt Potter reported for duty at VMMT-204 for transition training on the MV-22 Osprey.
In July 2009, SSgt Potter assumed his duties at VMM-266 as an MV-22 Osprey crew chief, where he was designated a Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) and Collateral Duty Inspector. SSgt Potter deployed twice in support of the 26th MEU aboard the USS Kearsarge, once in August of 2010 and second in 2013. He was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant on 1 August 2013.
On 5 February 2014, GySgt Potter reported to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One as an MV-22 Crew Chief Weapons and Tactics Instructor/Assault Support Department Chief, where he led, trained, and mentored pilots and enlisted aircrew Marines through 7 WTI Cycles. He was promoted to First Sergeant on 31 May 2017.
1stSgt Potter reported to Marine Combat Training Battalion., School of Infantry West (SOI (W))on 19 June 2017 and assumed the duties and responsibilities of Company H 1stSgt. After one year at Company H, he was transferred to H&S Bn and served as the company 1stSgt for Company L. 1stSgt Potter was then hand-selected to serve as the Director for the Combat Instructor School for SOI(W).
On 1 August 2020, 1stSgt Potter reported to 3d Supply Bn, 3d Marine Logistics Group, and served as the Ammo Company 1stSgt. On 4 December 2020, He was promoted to his current rank and was appointed as the Battalion Sergeant Major for 9th Engineer Support Battalion in Okinawa, Japan. On 5 December 2022, SgtMaj Potter was appointed as the 3d Transportation Battalion Sergeant Major, and facilitated the re-designated of the battalion to Combat Logistics Battalion 12.
On 29 July 2024, SgtMaj Potter reported to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One and was appointed his current position as the Squadron Sergeant Major.
SgtMaj Potter's personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with (1) Gold Star, one individual Air Medal w/ combat "V", two Strike/Flight Air Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.