By: Laryssa Hulcio and Stephen Harber, GM Talent Marketing
By: Laryssa Hulcio and Stephen Harber, GM Talent Marketing
Alex Reba doesn’t draw a line between career and service. He juggles both — and he does it well.
By day, he works in Global Purchasing & Supply Chain at General Motors, helping stabilize supply, manage risk, and keep production moving.
Beyond that, he serves as a Supply Corps Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, applying the same logistics, problem-solving, and leadership skills to mission-critical operations.
“I didn’t feel like I had to choose between them,” Reba says. “For me, it was about finding a way to do both well.”
TRACK to the future
Reba joined GM in the summer of 2021 as an intern in finished vehicle logistics. The next year, he returned full-time through GM’s TRACK rotational program. This fast-paced environment exposed him to program management, purchasing, logistics, and supplier crisis response.
“TRACK teaches you that change is constant,” Reba says. “Every six months, you move into a new role, with a new team and a new mission. You learn fast, listen carefully, and execute.”
Reba had always been interested in military service. While building his career at GM, the idea of serving was still on his mind.
“I loved the job,” he says. “But I also felt this pull to contribute in a different way.”
So Reba looked into Navy Reserve opportunities.
Permission to come aboard
He soon found the Navy’s Direct Commission Officer program within the Supply Corps. The role touched logistics, procurement, operations, and supply chain strategy – all areas he was already building expertise in here at GM.
“It felt like a natural fit,” he says. “It allowed me to bring the skills I was developing at GM into uniform, while still continuing to grow my career here.”
When he talked it through with GM leadership, the response was immediate – and supportive.
“That made the decision a lot easier,” he says. “There was never a sense that this was a detractor. If anything, it was viewed as a positive.”
Operation: supply chain
In the Navy, Reba supports mission readiness through logistics and resource planning. Commodities at GM is very similar.
“At GM, you always work through complex challenges. In the military, you’re expected to do the same… often quickly,” he says. “You won't have all the answers. But you rely on the training you have, the people around you, and the information available to move forward.”
Over the last two years, he’s worked with multiple Navy units across different active-duty segments. Each time, it’s a new group of people and a different mission.
“GM taught me how to walk in, understand the environment, build relationships, and contribute quickly,” he says. “Those skills shape how I operate in both worlds.”
Steady as he goes
Much of Reba’s work at GM has put him in crisis response roles that help stabilize suppliers, resolve bottlenecks, and safeguard production. This taught him to never be afraid of making the wrong decision.
“You can’t wait. Make a choice and move forward,” he says.
He’s also learned the importance of sacrifice – and genuinely caring about the people you work with.
“Just being present builds real relationships. When people feel supported and heard, it's easier to get the information you need to make better decisions together.”
That leadership mindset carries into his Navy service.
“Both roles require fast, high-stakes decisions,” he says. “And both are about the people.”
Both hands on deck
Balancing a civilian career and military service isn’t simple.
“It’s challenging,” Reba says. “I’m still learning how to do it.”
Even though the Navy is part-time on paper, he describes it as two careers running at once. There are sacrifices – time with family, time at GM, time in the Navy.
“What helps is understanding the priority in the moment and knowing that what you’re doing supports something larger than yourself."
Support systems have been critical. At home. In the Navy. And at GM.
GM as a shipmate
“My leaders and mentors at GM have been incredibly understanding and supportive of why I want to do both.”
Reba credits mentors like Ken Moore and Miguel “Mike” Canales for their guidance and encouragement along the way.
And the company’s pay differential policy has been especially meaningful.
“It allows me to focus on the mission without worrying about the financial impact,” he says.
The leave process is straightforward. Reba uploads his orders, and within a day or two, it’s approved.
“That flexibility removes hesitation and fear about how service might affect my role at GM,” he explains. “It allows me to fully commit to both.”
Two careers, one mindset
For Reba, service comes down to commitment and purpose.
“At GM, it’s about building safe, reliable vehicles that create opportunity,” he says. “In the Navy, it’s about serving the country and protecting those freedoms. Being able to do that in both spaces is incredibly meaningful.”
What’s Reba’s advice to anyone who wants to enlist or commission in the military while building their careers at the same time?
“Sacrifice will be required. It’s not for everyone. But if it fits into your life, it’s rewarding.”
Knowing GM supports Reba’s double duty means the world to him.
“The backing matters,” he states. “The skills and experiences you gain are unique and valuable in both careers. Seeing the results of my work on the road makes everything worthwhile.
Alex Reba doesn’t draw a line between career and service. He juggles both — and he does it well.
By day, he works in Global Purchasing & Supply Chain at General Motors, helping stabilize supply, manage risk, and keep production moving.
Beyond that, he serves as a Supply Corps Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, applying the same logistics, problem-solving, and leadership skills to mission-critical operations.
“I didn’t feel like I had to choose between them,” Reba says. “For me, it was about finding a way to do both well.”
TRACK to the future
Reba joined GM in the summer of 2021 as an intern in finished vehicle logistics. The next year, he returned full-time through GM’s TRACK rotational program. This fast-paced environment exposed him to program management, purchasing, logistics, and supplier crisis response.
“TRACK teaches you that change is constant,” Reba says. “Every six months, you move into a new role, with a new team and a new mission. You learn fast, listen carefully, and execute.”
Reba had always been interested in military service. While building his career at GM, the idea of serving was still on his mind.
“I loved the job,” he says. “But I also felt this pull to contribute in a different way.”
So Reba looked into Navy Reserve opportunities.
Permission to come aboard
He soon found the Navy’s Direct Commission Officer program within the Supply Corps. The role touched logistics, procurement, operations, and supply chain strategy – all areas he was already building expertise in here at GM.
“It felt like a natural fit,” he says. “It allowed me to bring the skills I was developing at GM into uniform, while still continuing to grow my career here.”
When he talked it through with GM leadership, the response was immediate – and supportive.
“That made the decision a lot easier,” he says. “There was never a sense that this was a detractor. If anything, it was viewed as a positive.”
Operation: supply chain
In the Navy, Reba supports mission readiness through logistics and resource planning. Commodities at GM is very similar.
“At GM, you always work through complex challenges. In the military, you’re expected to do the same… often quickly,” he says. “You won't have all the answers. But you rely on the training you have, the people around you, and the information available to move forward.”
Over the last two years, he’s worked with multiple Navy units across different active-duty segments. Each time, it’s a new group of people and a different mission.
“GM taught me how to walk in, understand the environment, build relationships, and contribute quickly,” he says. “Those skills shape how I operate in both worlds.”
Steady as he goes
Much of Reba’s work at GM has put him in crisis response roles that help stabilize suppliers, resolve bottlenecks, and safeguard production. This taught him to never be afraid of making the wrong decision.
“You can’t wait. Make a choice and move forward,” he says.
He’s also learned the importance of sacrifice – and genuinely caring about the people you work with.
“Just being present builds real relationships. When people feel supported and heard, it's easier to get the information you need to make better decisions together.”
That leadership mindset carries into his Navy service.
“Both roles require fast, high-stakes decisions,” he says. “And both are about the people.”
Both hands on deck
Balancing a civilian career and military service isn’t simple.
“It’s challenging,” Reba says. “I’m still learning how to do it.”
Even though the Navy is part-time on paper, he describes it as two careers running at once. There are sacrifices – time with family, time at GM, time in the Navy.
“What helps is understanding the priority in the moment and knowing that what you’re doing supports something larger than yourself."
Support systems have been critical. At home. In the Navy. And at GM.
GM as a shipmate
“My leaders and mentors at GM have been incredibly understanding and supportive of why I want to do both.”
Reba credits mentors like Ken Moore and Miguel “Mike” Canales for their guidance and encouragement along the way.
And the company’s pay differential policy has been especially meaningful.
“It allows me to focus on the mission without worrying about the financial impact,” he says.
The leave process is straightforward. Reba uploads his orders, and within a day or two, it’s approved.
“That flexibility removes hesitation and fear about how service might affect my role at GM,” he explains. “It allows me to fully commit to both.”
Two careers, one mindset
For Reba, service comes down to commitment and purpose.
“At GM, it’s about building safe, reliable vehicles that create opportunity,” he says. “In the Navy, it’s about serving the country and protecting those freedoms. Being able to do that in both spaces is incredibly meaningful.”
What’s Reba’s advice to anyone who wants to enlist or commission in the military while building their careers at the same time?
“Sacrifice will be required. It’s not for everyone. But if it fits into your life, it’s rewarding.”
Knowing GM supports Reba’s double duty means the world to him.
“The backing matters,” he states. “The skills and experiences you gain are unique and valuable in both careers. Seeing the results of my work on the road makes everything worthwhile.
Continue exploring GM Veteran stories
Read Alex’s full Q&A: Want to learn more about Alex’s journey from GM’s TRACK program to the U.S. Navy Reserve? Read his complete Driven to Serve interview on the GM Careers Blog, where he shares more about balancing military service, leadership development, and a career in supply chain.
Discover more Driven to Serve stories: Meet Rain Thompson, Brett Munster, and Brandon Gifford, whose stories highlight different paths from military service to meaningful work at GM.
Read a related GM News feature: Discover how Marine Veteran John Gillmer applies lessons from military service to leadership, problem-solving, and supporting teams across GM.
Learn more about careers at GM by visiting careers.gm.com.