Major Matthew J. Simpson was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1985. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2003 and attended Basic Training at Parris Island, SC. He attended the School of Infantry, where he became a Mortarman. He was assigned to Weapons Platoon, Kilo Company, 3D Battalion, 23D Marines. In 2007, he attended the Infantry Mortar Leaders Course in Camp Pendleton, CA. Major Simpson then deployed as a vehicle commander and artillery observer with Kilo Company from 2007-2008 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Upon returning from deployment, Major Simpson served as the mortar section leader and weapons platoon sergeant until his commissioning.
Major Simpson graduated from Mississippi State University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 18 September 2010. After completing The Basic School and Field Artillery Officer Basic Course in 2012, he was assigned to 5th Battalion, 11th Marines Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He served as an Assistant Logistics Officer, Platoon Commander, and Battery Executive Officer in the Battalion. During this time, he deployed with Romeo Battery, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines in 2013 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
In 2014, Major Simpson was assigned to The Basic School, where he served as the Fires Package Primary for one year. In 2015, he served as a Staff Platoon Commander for Echo and India Companies. In 2016, Major Simpson was assigned as the Artillery Instructor Battery Commander, Warfighting Instructor Company, Combat Instructor Battalion.
Following his time at TBS, Major Simpson attended Expeditionary Warfare School in Quantico, Virginia, from 2017-2018. He was selected to augment Officer Candidates School as an instructor for the summer Program of Instruction from May to August 2018.
Major Simpson checked in to 1st Battalion, 12th Marines in August 2018 and was assigned as the Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji Headquarters and Service Company Commander from November 2018 through May 2019.
Major Simpson assumed command of Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, in June 2019 and held command through March 2020. During this time, he led the Battery through multiple exercises and training events, including Integrated Training Exercise 1-20 and MAGTF Warfighting Exercise 1-20.
Following his time in 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, Major Simpson was assigned to the Marine Artillery Detachment Fort Sill and served as the Operations Officer from July 2020 through August 2021. He then assumed the role of Commander of Enlisted Schools, supervising the Learning Initiatives, Academic Section, and Enlisted Schools of the Marine Artillery Detachment.
Major Simpson attended and graduated from Marine Corps Command and Staff College graduate from July 2023 through June 2024 before reporting to 10th Marine Regiment. He served as Fire Support Battery Commander from July 2024 through January of 2025 before reporting to 2d Battalion to serve as the Operations Officer through May of 2026. He currently serves as the 10th Marines Executive Officer.