Gen. McCoy is a graduate of Craig High School, Janesville, Wis., and earned a bachelor's degree in 1984 from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a master's degree in management from Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, in 1997. His military education includes the Air National Guard Academy of Military Science, the Air Command and Staff College and the Air War College.

Gen. McCoy enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard in 1979 in Janesville and served as a fuels specialist until 1984, when he transferred to the 128th Air Refueling Group, Wisconsin Air National Guard. Two years later, after being commissioned a second lieutenant, he was assigned to full-time military duty as air base operability officer. In the following years he held a series of command and staff assignments in the 128th Air Refueling Wing, culminating in selection as commander of the wing's Mission Support Group in November 2003. In February 2005, he transferred to Wisconsin National Guard headquarters as state director of manpower and personnel. In March 2007, he was assigned as director of the Air Staff. He was appointed to his current position as deputy adjutant general effective March 1, 2008.