Command Sergeant Major Payne is a 2021 graduate of the Sergeants Major Academy. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Leadership and Workforce Development from the Command and General Staff College. CSM Payne served as a Black Hawk MEDEVAC Crew Chief in the 236th Medical Company in Landstuhl, Germany, before joining the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) in 2009. As a Nightstalker, CSM Payne served in various positions in 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, including MH-60L/K/M Black Hawk Technical Inspector, Maintenance Platoon Sergeant, Battalion Production Control NCOIC and First Sergeant of Charlie and Foxtrot Company. CSM Payne served as the G3 Sergeant Major at the United State Army Special Operations Aviation Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, before assuming the position of Command Sergeant Major of 4th Battalion, 160th SOAR (A) in June of 2022.

CSM Payne’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Air Medal (2), Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (6), among others.