CSM Nam K. Nguyen enlisted in the United States Army out of Arlington, TX, as an Infantryman. He attended basic training, advanced individual training (AIT), and airborne school at Fort Benning, GA. His first assignment was with the 1-501st Parachute Infantry Regiment at Fort Richardson, AK. He served as a machine gunner and squad designated marksman on an Infantry Fire Team. Later, CSM Nguyen assessed and was selected into the Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) Reconnaissance and Surveillance Platoon. He served as an assistant team leader and later advanced to team leader. CSM Nguyen then served as a Ranger Instructor (RI) at the 6th Ranger Training Battalion at Eglin Air Force Base, FL. After his time as an RI, he entered the Army's bonus, extension, and retraining program in 2012 to become a Cryptologic Linguist. He attended the Defense Language Institute (DLI) at the Presidio of Monterey, CA, followed by AIT at Goodfellow Air Force Base, TX.
He was then assigned to the 297th Military Intelligence Battalion, where he served as a Platoon Sergeant, S3 Operations NCOIC, and the HHC First Sergeant. Next, CSM Nguyen was selected by USASOC to become the Military Intelligence Company First Sergeant for 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Upon completing his first sergeant duties, CSM Nguyen assumed the position as Chief Intelligence Sergeant for 10th SFG(A). He then served as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the Joint Intelligence Operations Center at Joint Base Pearl Harbor, HI. He then served as Battalion Command Sergeant Major for the 103rd Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion, FSGA. He recently served as the ARSOUTH G2 SGM. CSM Nguyen has deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Operation RESOLUTE SUPPORT, and multiple OCONUS training exercises.
His military education includes Basic and Advanced Infantryman training, Cryptologic Basic and Advanced Course, Basic Leader Course, Advanced Leaders Course, Senior Leaders Course, Sergeants Major Course, Airborne School, Ranger School, Jumpmaster School, Pathfinder School, Reconnaissance Surveillance Leaders Course, Army Basic Instructor Course, Survival Evasion Resistance Escape Course (High Risk), DLI Arabic Course, Unit Prevention Leader, Casualty Combat Care Course, and Combative level-1. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Workforce Development from the United States Army Command and General Staff College.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd award), Army Commendation Medal (4th award), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (6th award), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (5th award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (4th award), North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Expert Infantryman Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Thailand Jump Wings, Pathfinder Badge, Ranger Tab, German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Gold), Knowlton Award recipient, and Sergeant Audie Murphy Club Member.
CSM Nguyen is married to his wife Karina. They share three exceptional children, Colby, Kenny, and Caylin. His hobbies include fishing, hunting, mountain biking, physical training, hiking, and golf.