Major Matthew M. McHale enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in May 2002 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon graduation, he was assigned to Headquarters and Service Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group, as a Motor Vehicle Operator. In 2005, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Building Construction from the Georgia Institute of Technology and was subsequently activated in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his deployment, he served as a Mortuary Affairs Specialist before returning to reserve status and serving as a Platoon Sergeant within the Motor Transport community.
In 2009, Major McHale reported to 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company and executed a lateral move to the Fire Support Man military occupational specialty. During his tour, he completed the Marine Artillery Scout Observer Course, Shore Fire Control Party Course, and the U.S. Army Airborne Course. He served as a Supporting Arms Liaison Team Chief and Platoon Sergeant while supporting joint and combined arms operations.
In 2013, Major McHale was selected for the Reserve Enlisted Commissioning Program and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant following graduation from Officer Candidate School. After completing The Basic School and the Logistics Officer Course, he reported to Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 45, where he served as the Motor Transport Platoon Commander. He later reported to Combat Logistics Battalion 451 and served as the Battalion Assistant Operations Officer.
In 2017, Major McHale was selected as the Detachment Officer in Charge for Detachment Personnel Retrieval and Processing Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 45. Following completion of the Mortuary Affairs Officer Course, he earned the 0407 Mortuary Affairs Officer military occupational specialty. He subsequently served as the Company Executive Officer and later assumed command of Personnel Retrieval and Processing Company in January 2020. During his command tour, he led the company through numerous training and operational commitments while supporting Marine Corps mortuary affairs readiness across the reserve component.
Upon completion of Command and Staff College in 2024, Major McHale reported to the Service Component Operational Logistics Augmentation Cell, 4th Marine Logistics Group, where he served as a logistics planner supporting Marine Forces Pacific, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, and Marine Forces Central Command.
Major McHale is currently the Commanding Officer of Littoral Distribution Company Alpha, 6th Distribution Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group in Savannah, Georgia.
Major McHale's personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Gold Star in lieu of Second Award), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Three Gold Stars in lieu of Fourth Award), and numerous service and campaign awards.