NGA is comprised of a talented and dedicated group of professionals contributing to NGA’s mission of delivering world-class geospatial intelligence. These professionals hail from many different backgrounds, including all branches of the United States military. NGA’s military personnel bring skills and experience ranging from intelligence to military police to cybersecurity. They also bring valuable knowledge that is essential for advising leaders on GEOINT operations.
  
Gunnery Sgt. Alexander H. Nauert, also known as “Gunny,” is a prime example of NGA’s exceptional group of military personnel. Nauert, a military police officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, currently serves as the program manager and operations chief for NGA’s Marine Corps Detachment. He oversees the duties and responsibilities of the Marine Corps Detachment and ensures that NGA receives the military support needed to achieve its mission. 

Nauert enlisted into the marines in 2007 and has since served all over the world, including Africa, Asia, and Europe. A memorable moment in his career occurred in 2010, when he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

“I was wounded on Oct. 5, 2010, while conducting combat operations in support of OEF in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.” Nauert said. “We were on a recovery mission for other military vehicles that were disabled due to a complex ambush a few hours earlier. Once we neutralized the threat and ensured the area was safe and secure, we proceeded with our recovery mission.” 

“Upon leaving the scene, the vehicle I was operating was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device,” Nauert continued.” I was the turret gunner at the time of the explosion and was partially ejected from the vehicle. I broke my pelvis and my jaw and sustained a traumatic brain injury.” 

Nauert’s injury during OEF resulted in his being awarded a Purple Heart medal — the United States armed forces’ oldest military decoration. George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit, which later became the Purple Heart, during the American Revolutionary War to recognize the heroic acts of his troops. The medal is now presented to servicemembers who have been wounded or killed during combat operations. 

Despite being severely injured during his mission in Afghanistan, Nauert recovered and continues to serve. Now, 14 years later, he applies his military experience to lead Marines supporting NGA by gathering and supplying geospatial intelligence to U.S. policymakers, military service members, intelligence professionals and first responders. 

“Serving in the military is not about any one person specifically,” said Nauert. “It’s about being a part of something bigger than yourself.”

NGA celebrates all military service members and thanks them for their unwavering service to NGA and its mission. Learn more about our active duty, reserve and veteran career opportunities here.