Matthew Cox

Matthew Cox has been a defense reporter since 1998. During his time with Military.com he covered all the services, with a close eye on Army weapons development and procurement, body armor testing, camouflage, ammunition as well as readiness and training issues. He previously worked for 12 years for Army Times. He traveled to Afghanistan and Iraq numerous times from 2002 to 2008, covering Stryker and light infantry units in combat. He also spent four years in the U.S. Army during the second half of the 1980s, serving as an infantryman in the 82nd Airborne Division.

Latest Articles

The morning sun peaks over the rooftop of the Drill Sergeant Academy hitting the black letters from across the way, “This We’ll Defend.” The drill sergeant statue overlooks the physical fitness field at Fort Jackson, Aug. 12, 2015. (U.S. Army’Maj. Satomi Mack-Martin)

Army Making More Drill Sergeants to Increase Discipline in AIT

So far, the Drill Sergeant Academy at Fort Jackson has converted 178 AIT platoon sergeants into drill sergeants.

A 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-1B Lancer deployed to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing prepares to launch a strike mission from Al Udeid AIr Base, Qatar, April 13, 2018 in support of the multinational response to Syria's recent use of chemical weapons. (U.S. Air Force/Master Sgt. Phil Speck)

US, Coalition Forces Double Airstrikes on ISIS Targets in Syria

In the past week, the coalition conducted 14 airstrikes against ISIS fighters in defensive fighting positions in Syria.

Anthrax vaccine is drawn into a hypodermic needle. U.S. Army officials in Korea announced that an Eighth Army memo warning soldiers about potentially "bad Anthrax" vaccinations given on a large scale is "completely without merit." (U.S. Army photo/Christopher Jones)

Army: Memo Warning of Bad Anthrax Vaccine Batches Is 'False'

U.S. Army officials in Korea announced that a memo warning soldiers about potentially "bad Anthrax" vaccinations is false.

The Ground Mobility Vehicle is designed to be internally transportable via CH-47 Helicopter as well as U.S. Air Force C--130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III heavy lift aircraft. (U.S. Army file photo)

Lawmaker: Is the Army Paying Too Much for its New Ultra-Light Vehicle?

Army officials had to explain why the new, ultra-light combat vehicles the service plans to field are so expensive.

Troopers from 1st Squadron “Tiger,” 3rd Cavalry Regiment, maneuver around buildings during an urban training exercise Dec. 7, 2017 on Fort Hood, Texas. (U.S. Army/Staff Sgt. Taresha Hill)

Army Announces Spring and Summer Deployments to Europe, Middle East

The deployments involve soldiers from Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Carson, Colorado and Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Contractors conduct a final fire suppression foam test, Aug. 31, 2017. The foam test was conducted to ensure the new system performed as designed before it was released to an Air National Guard unit. (U.S. Air Force/Airman 1st Class Caitlin Russell)

Guard Chief: More Money Needed for Base Contaminated Water Cleanup

The DoD has identified 401 installations where there have been a suspected release of fire-fighting foam into water supplies.

Will National Guard Troops at the Border Be Armed? It Depends

The National Guard soldiers and airmen deploying to the border between the United States and Mexico may be armed.

A Marine Corps drill instructor shouts commands to an enlistee during Drill Instructor Family Night in West Des Moines, Iowa on March 23. The Corps plans to grow by 1,100 Marines in fiscal 2019. (US Marine Corps photo/Levi Schultz)

Military Leaders Pledge to Keep Standards High as Ranks Grow

The Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps all plan to increase their personnel levels in fiscal 2019.

Marines with the 2nd Marine Division load magazines with 5.56mm rounds in preparation for an infantry platoon battle course as part of a deployment for training at Fort Pickett, Va., Feb. 21, 2018. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Pfc. Heather Atherton)

Marines Working with the Army on 5.56mm Rifle Round Replacement

The Marine Corps confirmed the service is in lockstep with the Army's effort to search for a more potent rifle round.

Lawmakers Question Why Marines Haven't Attracted More Women

Female lawmakers pressed U.S. Military personnel officials today to explain what they are doing to attract more women.

FILE - In this Jan. 9, 2018, file photo, Senate Finance Committee member Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., asks a question during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

Senator Pushes for Answers on $50 Million Army Contracting Scandal

"This audit we know includes questioned costs amounting to over $50 million," Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri said.

U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley at the 242nd Army Birthday Cake Cutting Ceremony. (U.S. Army/Daniel Torok)

Army Chief: Assad Should Pay a Big Price for Recent Chemical Attack

Milley testified at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that Assad's arsenal of chemical weapons should be attacked.

The U.S. Army has finalized a plan to dual arm combat leaders down to the team-leader level with the new XM17 Modular Handgun System. (U.S. Army photo)

Marine Leaders Explain Corps' Decision to Buy Army's New Pistol

Marine Corps leaders today offered a glimpse into the service's decision to adopt the Army's Modular Handgun System.

U.S. Marines and sailors with III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) find places to sleep and be comfortable to get rest before arriving to support Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise (MEFEX) 2014, March 9, 2014 (U.S. Marine Corps/Cpl. Sara A. Medina)

Coast Guard, Marines Join Navy in Concerns over Sleep Deprivation

Senior enlisted leaders from the three sea services said they continue to look at ways to ensure personnel get proper rest.

From left, U.S. Army Capt. Kristen Griest, Maj. Lisa Jaster and 1st Lt. Shaye Haver share a moment following Jaster's graduation from Ranger School on Fort Benning, Ga., Oct. 16, 2015. (U.S. Army/Staff Sgt. Alex Manne/ Released)

12 Female Soldiers Have Now Graduated Army Ranger School

The U.S. Army's vice chief of staff praised the achievements of female soldiers Monday.

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