Cory completed Basic Combat Training at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina in May of 2003, and then graduated as the Distinguished Honor Graduate from the Intelligence Analyst Course in Ft. Huachuca, Arizona (June-October 2003). Cory completed "green platoon" (assessment and selection) and joined the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), specifically assigned to the 2nd Battalion. During his time as a Night Stalker, Cory deployed five times to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Cory ultimately separated from the Army at the rank of Sergeant in 2007.