Master Gunnery Sergeant Cox enlisted in the Marine Corps in February 1999, and attended recruit training at MCRD San Diego, California then completed Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton, California. Once complete he 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 and Sergeant where he served as a Fire Team Leader, Squad Leader and Percussion Section Leader.
In November of 2001 Sergeant Cox was transferred to the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, Okinawa, Japan where he served as Squad Leader, Section Leader, and assisted in conducting and leading the band on the march. 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. Upon returning in September 2004, Sergeant Cox was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 2005 Staff Sergeant Cox was selected as a Drum Major.
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. In December 2006 Staff Sergeant Cox was assigned as the Service Company Gunnery Sergeant. In July 2007 he 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 Staff Sergeant Cox was assigned as a Drill Instructor with Fox Company, 2D Recruit Training Battalion, MCRD, San Diego, California where he served as Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor. In September 2009 Staff Sergeant Cox was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and assigned as the Staff Non Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Water Survival Section. In September 2011 Gunnery Sergeant Cox was transferred to 2D Marine Division and served as the bands Drum Major.
In September 2015 Gunnery Sergeant Cox was transferred to the Naval School of Music and assigned as the Drum Major instructor where he 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. In July 2018 Master Sergeant Cox assumed duties as the Officer in Charge 1st Marine Division Band.
In January 2020 Master Gunnery Sergeant Cox was transferred to the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing Band at Miramar, California where he served as the Bandmaster and Senior Enlisted Advisor. In November of 2020, Master Sergeant Cox was transferred to the Naval School of Music Marine Detachment where he serves as the Senior Enlisted Advisor. In December of 2020, Master Sergeant Cox was promoted to Master Gunnery Sergeant.
Master Gunnery Sergeant Cox’s military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (fifth award), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (second award).