Covell was born on 29 November 1892 in Washington, D.C. On 14 June 1911, he began his studies at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

Covell was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers on 12 June 1915 upon graduating from the Military Academy.

While serving at Fort Shafter, Covell was promoted to first lieutenant, Corps of Engineers on 12 January 1916.

Covell wrote "Military Roads on the Island of Oahu" while a lieutenant; the article was published in the November–December 1917 edition of Professional Memoirs.

[1] He then served as an instructor and student at the Army Engineer School in Virginia from September 1919 to August 1920.

Covell reverted to his permanent rank of captain in February 1920 before being promoted to major in July 1920.

He then attended the Command and General Staff School at Fort Leavenworth, graduating in June 1930.

[7] After the war, Covell joined the engineering and design firm Parsons, Brinckerhoff, Hogan and Macdonald.