Early Life and Education

David C. Martin was born on July 28, 1943, in Washington, D.C. He graduated from Yale University in 1965 with a bachelor's degree in English. Following his academic pursuits, Martin served as an officer in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, stationed aboard a destroyer.

Journalism Career and CBS News

Martin began his career in journalism in 1969 as a researcher for CBS News. He later transitioned to a news writing position with the Associated Press broadcast wire, where he worked from 1971 to 1972. In 1983, he officially joined CBS News as the Pentagon correspondent. Over the years, his responsibilities expanded to include coverage of the State Department and various U.S. intelligence agencies.

In an interview with C-SPAN, Martin shared his enthusiasm for his role, stating, “I really do [like it]. It’s the best beat in Washington… you’re dealing with young men and women putting it all on the line.” His passion for reporting from both the Pentagon and military installations worldwide has made him a respected figure in national security journalism.

As CBS News’ National Security Correspondent, Martin has contributed to major broadcasts including "CBS Evening News," "60 Minutes," and "48 Hours," offering comprehensive coverage of military intelligence and global security events.

Coverage of the Iraq and Afghanistan Conflicts

During the U.S. invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, Martin earned a reputation as a "big-picture" reporter, lauded for his deep understanding of governmental processes during wartime. His ability to translate complex military strategies into accessible narratives for general audiences made his reporting highly valuable.

One of the defining periods of his career was the Iraq War. Martin broke several major stories, including reporting on the initial U.S. strike against Saddam Hussein’s bunker. He was among the first journalists to enter Iraq and reported on a farm location suspected by the CIA to be one of Saddam’s hideouts.