MSgt Cox enlisted in the Marine Corps in Feburary 1999, and attended recruit training at MCRD San Diego, California. After graduation in May of 1999, Private First Class Cox attended Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton, California, and then reported to the Armed Forces School of Music as a student in the Music Basic Course.
Lance Corporal Cox’s first assignment was with Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Band, Twenty-Nine Palms, California. Lance Corporal Cox was promoted to the rank of Corporal where he attended the Corporals Course and served as a Fire Team Leader and Percussion Section Leader. Upon being promoted to Sergeant he was assigned as Squad Leader and Rhythm Section Commander.
In November of 2001 Sergeant Cox was transferred to the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, Okinawa, Japan where he attended the Sergeants Course and served as Squad Leader, Section Leader, and assisted in conducting the band and leading the band on the march as an assistant Drum Major. In January 2003 Sergeant Cox returned to the Armed Forces School of Music for the Ceremonial Conductor and Drum Major Course. After graduation, Sergeant Cox reported to the 1st Marine Division Band, Camp Pendleton, California, where he served as Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, and Percussion Section Leader. In February 2004 Sergeant Cox was deployed to Ramadi, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II where he served as Platoon Sergeant, Sergeant of the Guard, and Commander of the Guard on Camp Blue Diamond. Upon returning in September 2004, Sergeant Cox was assigned as the Assistant Drum Major and was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant and attended the Career Course. In 2005 Staff Sergeant Cox was selected as a Drum Major where he served as the Drum Major for the 1st Marine Division Band.
In June 2006 Staff Sergeant Cox was transferred to Marine Band San Diego, MCRD, San Diego, California where he served as the bands Drum Major. Staff Sergeant Cox also attended the Martial Arts Instructor Course where he helped to develop Marines in Martial Arts training. In December 2006 Staff Sergeant Cox was assigned as the Service Company Gunnery Sergeant. In July 2007 upon the successful completion of his assignment, Staff Sergeant Cox was reassigned as the Drum Major for Marine Band San Diego.
In July 2008 Staff Sergeant Cox was transferred to Drill Instructor School. Upon Completion of Drill Instructor School Staff Sergeant Cox was assigned as a Drill Instructor with Fox Company, 2D Recruit Training Battalion, MCRD, San Diego, California. During his assignment at Fox Company Staff Sergeant Cox attended the Marine Combat Instructor Water Survival Course. In September 2009 Staff Sergeant Cox was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and was assigned as the Staff Non Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Water Survival Section, MCRD San Diego, California. In September 2010 Gunnery Sergeant Cox was reassigned to Fox Company as a Senior Drill Instructor where he was awarded the Moral Leadership Award. Upon successfully completing Drill Instructor Duty, Gunnery Sergeant Cox attended the Advanced Course.
In September 2011 Gunnery Sergeant Cox was transferred and assigned as the Drum Major 2D Marine Division Band where he has led the band on the march in excess of over 200 military and civilian ceremonial commitments and also served as the Bandmaster / Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge.
In September 2015 Gunnery Sergeant Cox was transferred to the Naval School of Music and assigned as the Drum Major instructor. Gunnery Sergeant Cox instructed both entry and mid-level students in ceremonial drill. In January 2017 Gunnery Sergeant Cox was promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant and was transferred to the 1st Marine Division Band to serve as the Bandmaster in September 2017.
Master Sergeant Cox’s military decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (fifth award), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (second award), Good Conduct Medal (fifth award).