Journeys Through Service

Helping Others Was His Goal. The Military Gave Him a Path.

Alex is balancing service, school and a desire to give back.

Meet Alex

Combat Medic

The Tactical Lifesaver

As a combat medic in the Army Reserve, Specialist Alex Nguy is trained to handle medical emergencies in any situation — think first responder meets Soldier. Combat medics provide treatment in the field and lead medical drills for units.

SIMILAR JOBS OUTSIDE THE MILITARY

EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)

BRANCH

Army Reserve

RANK

Specialist

ALEX’S JOURNEY AT A GLANCE

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Became a certified EMT before his 21st birthday

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As a medic, serves as a first responder for his military unit

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Currently working on a second bachelor’s degree, this time in nursing

What Led Alex to the Military

Talking with his dad and his uncle, a military veteran, opened Alex’s eyes to a potential path to growth. “They told me the benefits were real: school paid for, work experience, and I’d get to stay close to home.”


The Spark

The Spark

Going back to his days as a Boy Scout, he always wanted to put others first and give back to his community.

The Drive

The Drive

Medicine and health care fascinated him early on, and he wanted to make them part of his life.

The Decision

The Decision

The Army Reserve let him make an impact close to home while he gained real experience and received assistance for the cost of school.

Benefits Alex Sees in Service

No Loans, No Stress

Works on his nursing degree without racking up debt thanks to military education benefits.

Paying For College

Knowledge for Life

Learns on the job, gaining medical experience that works now and for whatever’s next.

Learn on the Job

Part Time, Maximum Impact

Serves part time in the Reserve and gets to stay close to his civilian job and support his community.

Ways to Serve
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Weekend Warrior

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EMT by Day (and Night)

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Student on a Mission

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Next up? RN Status

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Weekend Warrior

medical icon

EMT by Day (and Night)

graduation cap icon

Student on a Mission

stethoscope icon

Next up? RN Status

Part-Time Service, Full-Time Momentum

Alex serves part time in the Army Reserve. Weekdays might look like classes or work. And for one weekend a month? Uniform on, ready to roll. He’s building career momentum and still achieving his own goals. It’s not all or nothing. It’s full speed ahead.

On the Clock

  • Monthly Reserve drills
  • No-cost college classes thanks to military education benefits
  • Working toward a nursing degree (also on the Military’s tab)

Off the Clock

  • EMT runs through Southern California streets
  • Intense jiujitsu training
  • Full-court basketball with anyone willing to run

 

 

 

 

“It’s a weekend a month, two weeks a year. I don’t have to sacrifice my career or my education. Instead, the Military has helped push me further in both.”

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How Does Part-Time Service Compare to Full-Time?

See the Difference
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Want to Know More About the Army Reserve?

Explore How It Works

What Alex Does on the Job

alex leads a field trauma drill

Leads Trauma Drills and Field Care

Calmly and efficiently delivers emergency care in high-pressure situations.

alex restocks his field medicine supplies

Keeps Gear Ready to Go

Manages supplies like tourniquets, IV bags and bandages.

Alex driving

Operates Like a Mobile Hospital

Drives, maintains and preps ambulances for field responses.

Alex stands on the back door of an ambulance

Builds Lasting Skills

Handles 911 calls and helps stabilize patients en route to the hospital in his civilian job.

“For a lot of units, the combat medics are kind of like the doctors of the unit. A unit would be lost without them.”

What Would You Do?

Someone at after-school practice goes down with what looks like a bad ankle injury. The coach hasn’t noticed yet, and your teammates aren’t sure what to do. What’s your move?

Sounds like you’re the type to step up and stay calm under pressure, skills that make a big difference in roles like a combat medic.

You’re observant and quick to act. Spotting what’s needed and facilitating the right treatment is a big part of being mission ready.

You’re thoughtful and respectful of boundaries. In the Military, knowing when to jump in and when to hold back can be just as important as taking charge.

You’re steady and team oriented. Sometimes the best support is someone who’s ready to move with the group to get things done together.

Curious What It Takes to Be a Combat Medic Like Alex?

No sweat: It’s part EMT, part Soldier, all impact. And it sets you up for way more than just the next job.

Get the Full Breakdown

Ready for the Road Ahead

For Alex, the Military isn’t a side path or even a side quest. It’s part of his big plan. His training’s on point, his nursing school’s paid for and his skills are locked in and flexible for the future.

Future-Proofing

  • Already a certified EMT before his 21st birthday
  • A degree in kinesiology and no college debts
  • Working on another degree, with a focus on nursing

Life-Shaping

  • Helped him grow and stay grounded
  • Kept him connected to his family and the new friends he made
  • Helped him find purpose and make an impact

Your Take

Alex serves to help others. What drives you the most?

“The Military gives you so many ways to grow, you just have to come in with a plan and take advantage of everything they offer.” 

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