Matthew Cox
Matthew Cox has been a defense reporter since 1998. Prior to working for three years in media relations at Thales, he worked for Military.com from 2011 to 2021, covering Army and Marine Corps readiness and modernizations with a focus on weapons development and procurement. Before that he worked for more than 12 years at Army Times. He focused on modernization, training, and readiness as well as covering light infantry units in combat in both Afghanistan from 2002 to 2008. 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.
Recent stories by Matthew Cox
Air Force Chief OKs Daily Callsign Nametags, Friday Morale T-Shirts
Air Force Chief of Staff Kenneth S. Wilsbach is allowing Airmen to wear unit pride T-shirts on Fridays and aircrew to wear nametags with their callsigns daily. The morale-boosting gesture is one of his first official acts as Chief and comes at a time when ...
Record Government Shutdown Ends, Pentagon Employees to Return
President Donald Trump signed legislation reopening the federal government late Nov. 12, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The move sets the stage for tens of thousands of defense civilians to return to work and guarantees troops will be paid in a few days’ ...
Unique Group of Airmen Face a Third Missed Paycheck Without Shutdown Resolution
Congress is making moves to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, but lawmakers have only a few days left to clear the procedural hurdles necessary to ensure troops get paid Nov. 14. The issue is particularly pressing for tens of thousands of uniformed ...
After Decades of Homeland Defense, Barnes ANG Base Bids Farewell to F-15s
U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles have roared out of Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass., for the last time. The 104th Fighter Wing’s last three F-15Cs departed the base Oct. 23 for the “Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., ending the aircraft's era on ...
Former ACC Command Chief Wolfe Tapped as New CMSAF
Chief Master Sgt. David R. Wolfe will be the 21st Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, the service announced Nov. 6.
Air Force Issues New Mustache, Sideburn Standards
The Air Force recently tightened its standards on mustaches and sideburns to comply with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s strict new guidance on facial hair.
‘Here’s the Story’: How an Airman Lied to Cover Up M18 Shooting
Airman 1st Class Marcus White-Allen concocted a story to cover up that he fired his M18 9mm pistol into Airman Braden Lovan’s chest, killing him on July 20, two Airmen from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., testified during separate courts martial proceedings on Oct. ...
Airman and Guardian Families with Furloughed Spouses Feel Shutdown Strain
Active-duty Airmen and Guardians haven’t missed any paychecks yet as a result of the ongoing government shutdown. But with tens of thousands of military spouses working as civilians for the federal government, many families still face financial strain and stress.
Some Guard Troops Won’t Get Paid Until Shutdown Ends
The National Guard Bureau says most units are postponing drills during the shutdown, but some states are sticking to their training schedule, resulting in a patchwork of different policies and some confusion in the ranks.
Shutdown Relief: Where Airmen and Guardians Can Turn for Help
With no end to the government shutdown in sight, Airmen, Guardians, and defense civilians face increasing uncertainty about whether or not they will be paid—and how to make ends meet if they are not.
Airman Charged in M18 Shooting Death Found Dead
The Airman arrested in connection with the M18 pistol discharge that killed a fellow member of Air Force security forces on July 20 in Wyoming was found dead earlier this month, an Air Force spokesperson confirmed.
How New Religious Accommodation Rules for Beards Could Impact Airmen’s Careers
Airmen, Guardians, and other service members that wear beards for religious reasons will be deemed nondeployable as part of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s sweeping crackdown on shaving waivers—a move that would essentially end their careers and one that several former Air Force officials say may ...
Air Force to Inspect All Dorms for ‘Clean, Comfortable, Safe’ Living Conditions
The Air Force has ordered officials across the service to inspect every Airman’s dorm room as part of the Pentagon’s new effort to improve barracks conditions for all service members.
Alaska Air Guard Evacuates Hundreds of Typhoon Victims
In the wake of an intense storm, Alaska Air National Guard Airmen evacuated more than 500 residents by C-17s as heavy storm surges flooded villages in the region.
Air Force May Test New Counter-Drone Weapons Next Year: Industry Reps
This year’s Association of the United States Army’s annual meeting buzzed with talk of countering the rapidly evolving drone threat facing the entire U.S. military, including the Air Force. Leaders and defense industry officials discussed the need for new approaches to procurement and employment of ...
