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

National Guard soldiers walk down the street near the U.S. Capitol Building.

The 26K Guard Troops in DC Did Not Face a Single Inauguration Security Threat: Top General

The scene at the U.S. Capitol, where Joe Biden took the oath of office, was a stark contrast to the riot on Jan. 6.

National Guard members President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony

National Guard in DC Briefed on 'Use of Force, Self Defense' in Lead-Up to Inauguration

Some Guard members have been sworn in as special police and authorized to be armed with M4 carbines.

U.S. National Guard soldiers stand in formation.

12 Guard Troops Sent Home from Inauguration Duty After FBI Flagged 'Questionable Behavior'

The announcement comes as the Guard presence in D.C. has swelled to 25,000 members, contributed by all 50 states.

Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy speaks at a COVID-19 briefing.

Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy to Leave Post on Inauguration Day

John Whitley, assistant secretary of the Army for financial management and comptroller, will serve as the acting secretary.

Army IDs 2 Fort Bliss Soldiers Killed in Separate Vehicle Accidents

Two 1st Armored Division soldiers died over the weekend in vehicle-related accidents outside of Fort Bliss, Texas.

Staff Sgt. John D. S. Bailey was found dead at his Fort Bliss residence Jan. 14, 2021

Army IDs 1st Armored Division Staff Sergeant Found Dead at Fort Bliss Home

The U.S. Army has identified a 1st Armored Division staff sergeant from Fort Bliss, Texas found dead at his home Thursday.

Pfc. Asia Graham died Dec. 31 after being found unresponsive in her barracks room at Fort Bliss, Texas. Pfc. Christian G. Alvarado, another Fort Bliss soldier, will face a general court-martial on charges that he raped Graham a year earlier. (Army)

Fort Bliss Soldier Charged with Raping Fellow Soldier a Year Before Her New Year's Eve Death

A 1st Armored Division soldier at Fort Bliss, Texas has been charged with sexually assaulting three women over the past year...

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jessica Ann Mitchell.

Army Offers $25,000 Cash Reward for Tips on Drill Sergeant's Murder

Staff Sgt. Jessica Ann Mitchell "was shot to death in her vehicle," according to a CID news release.

U.S. Soldiers with the New Jersey National Guard.

43 National Guard Troops in DC for Inauguration Test Positive for COVID-19

The spike in cases comes as the Pentagon has increased the Guard authorization for inauguration security in D.C. to 25,000.

Members of the National Guard patrol outside the Capitol Building.

Military Pledges Proper Housing for Troops in DC as National Guard Force Grows to 25,000

The DoD announced that it has increased the number of National Guard troops authorized for inauguration security to 25,000.

The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program.

Alaska Bases Limit Alcohol Sale Hours to Curb Drinking-Related Suicides

U.S. military commanders in Alaska have ordered alcohol sales to cease after 10 p.m. on two bases .

Members of the New Jersey Army National Guard.

A Fake National Guard Memo Warning of Nationwide Lockdown Is Circulating Again

The document first began circulating in March as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in America.

Hundreds of National Guard troops hold inside the Capitol Visitor's Center.

Lawmakers Ask Army to Send Cots for National Guard in US Capitol

The troops are pulling 12-hour security shifts, officials have said, and are permitted to rest or sleep when not on duty.

Staff Sgt. Eric Kuper of the D.C. National Guard U.S. Capitol

‘This Is What I Took an Oath For:’ Guard Troops Shore Up DC in Wake of Violent Siege

Hundreds of National Guard troops on emergency mobilization orders began arriving Thursday to reinforce security in the city.

Army to Oust Lieutenant for Making Holocaust Jokes on TikTok

Freihofer, an artillery officer who has 3.8 million followers on TikTok, had been under investigation for months.

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Rear Adm. Gregory Huffman, commander, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), delivers remarks during NETC’s change of command ceremony at the National Naval Aviation Museum onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, June 18, 2025. The museum recently opened an exhibit honoring Vietnam prisoners of war. (United States Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Zachary Melvin)

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