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

A Dronebuster Electronic Warfare System.

Every Soldier a Drone Fighter: Plan Would Make Counter-UAS Training an Army Requirement

JCO Director Maj. Gen. Sean Gainey outlined a plan to demonstrate new counter-UAS weapon systems under development.

Army Investigates How Soldiers Drank Antifreeze Chemical as 2 Remain in ICU

Nine of the soldiers have been released from the William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas.

Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston.

Facial Hair Petition Gains Momentum After SMA Tells Force 'You Will Not Have a Beard'

The beard petition argues that it's time for the Army to loosen its restriction on facial hair for male soldiers.

Maj. Gen. Miguel Correa presents Staff Sgt. Jimmy Moriarty’s Silver Star.

Green Beret Slain Fighting Attacker in Jordan Receives Posthumous Silver Star

Two Green Beret generals traveled to Houston to honor Moriarty's courage by presenting his family with the Silver Star.

A member of the Fort Drum Residential Communities Initiative/Housing Division inspection team checks out a house on Sept. 17, 2019. (Photo by Mike Strasser, Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs)

Army Approves Billion-Dollar Deal to Improve Housing Conditions at 6 Bases

The deal is an effort to improve housing after a scandal revealed that many families experienced dangerous conditions.

aim control enhancer, or ACE, weapon stabilizer device

Army Testing 'Iron Man' Suit Component for Next-Gen Squad Weapon

The aim control enhancer was once under consideration for the U.S. Special Operations Command's "Iron Man" suit program.

Soldiers salute during basic combat training graduation at Fort Sill.

Army Rolls Out Army Green Uniform Wear Guidelines, Renames Combat Patch

Troops have until Oct. 1, 2027, to purchase the AGSU, after which the ASU will become the Army's optional dress uniform.

Staff Sgt. Amanda F. Kelley stands in formation at parade rest.

Army OKs Long Ponytails, Buzz Cuts for Women in Grooming Standards Overhaul

A special panel, made up primarily of female soldiers, reviewed recommendations from the field on female soldiers' needs.

Sgt. Nicholas Maxim, acting as a member of the opposing force, builds and launches a simulated drone swarm during Exercise Dynamic Front 18 at the Joint Multinational Simulation Center, Grafenwoehr, Germany, in March, 2018. (U.S. Army/Staff Sgt. Kathleen V. Polanco, 7th Army Training Command)

To Defeat Enemy Drone Swarms, Troops May Have to Take a Back Seat to Machines, General Says

All branches of the U.S. military have expressed interest in using artificial intelligence for faster target recognition.

Indiana National Guard troops provide security near the U.S. Capitol.

Lawmaker Calls for Hearing on Why National Guard Troops Ordered Out of Capitol

The incident happened one day after the force of 25,600 Guard members provided security for President Biden's inauguration.

Fort Hood Top Enlisted Leader Reinstated after Probe Finds No Proof of Unprofessional Language

U.S. Army Forces Command has reinstated the top enlisted leader at Fort Hood, Texas after an investigation cleared him of...

National Guard Plans to Ask Thousands of Troops to Remain in DC Until Mid-March

Guard officials said that approximately 7,000 troops would likely remain in D.C. through the end of January.

Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau.

Biden Calls National Guard Chief After Troops Briefly Ordered to Take Breaks in Garage

President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden each showed their support for the Guard in their own way.

National Guard troops reinforce the security zone on Capitol Hill.

Break Area for Thousands of Guard Troops Abruptly Moved from Capitol to Garage with Single Restroom

The move prompted an outcry from some troops.

U.S. Army National Guard soldiers with the South Carolina National Guard provide security to the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

Thousands of National Guard Troops to Begin Leaving DC This Weekend

Arrangements are being made for 15,000 of the 25,600 Guard soldiers and airmen in D.C. to return home over the next 10 days.

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