Female non-commissioned officer parades 'as beautiful as a beauty queen' wants to serve long term in the army

Corporal Bui Thi Phuong Ngoc - Photo provided by character

That female non-commissioned officer is Bui Thi Phuong Ngoc - top 15 Miss Ocean Vietnam 2023, volunteering to join the army in February 2024.

Happy and proud to be cheered by everyone

In the parade program on the occasion of April 30, Corporal Bui Thi Phuong Ngoc took the position of protecting the flag of the Saigon Female Special Forces parade group - one of the group leaders, leading the whole group.

Talking to Tuoi Tre Online , Phuong Ngoc said she is currently working at the General Staff Department - Military Command of Dong Nai province.

Since the beginning of 2025, Phuong Ngoc and officers and soldiers from many military units have gathered at the Military School of Military Region 7 (HCMC) to prepare for the grand celebration of the 50th anniversary of national reunification. She and her teammates practice in the morning and afternoon, and some days they practice in the evening.

"To be selected for the parade, not only me but also other members had to go through a strict selection process regarding height, especially health, to be able to meet the requirements of the assigned mission," Phuong Ngoc shared.

Corporal Bui Thi Phuong Ngoc actively practices parade

According to Phuong Ngoc, this task is difficult and tiring. The harsh weather and prolonged heat have caused many people to faint from sunstroke and heatstroke.

Women's health is not as good as men's, so such high training intensity also causes many difficulties for women. However, she and her teammates are always determined and have a strong will to overcome all difficulties to complete the assigned tasks well.

Phuong Ngoc confided: "Being able to walk in the arms of the people, the cheers and encouragement of everyone made us feel extremely happy and proud, all the fatigue disappeared to blend into the heroic spirit of the nation.

I was also surprised when one day I accidentally became more known to many people. But I'm happy that people care about me."

Phuong Ngoc competed in Miss Ocean Vietnam 2023

Hide from family to compete in beauty pageant

Bui Thi Phuong Ngoc (24 years old, living in Gia Ray town, Xuan Loc district, Dong Nai ) competed in Miss Vietnam 2022 and entered the top 15 of Miss Ocean Vietnam 2023.

She said: "When I was in college, I received a lot of support from my friends and teachers, so I decided to enter the beauty pageant. When I first registered, I just thought it was a youthful experience. No matter what the result was, I felt satisfied. I didn't think I would get into the top 15 of the contest. So when I got into the top 15 of the contest, I felt lucky and satisfied.

Entering beauty pageants helps me satisfy my passion, but I know this path will not last. Beauty will eventually fade, only intelligence will follow you and create your own value."

Bui Thi Phuong Ngoc in Ao Dai

Phuong Ngoc's parents did not support her pursuing an artistic career, and even did not like her. When she competed in Miss Ocean 2023, Ngoc hid it from her family, and only told her parents when she reached the finals.

Phuong Ngoc won second prize in the provincial literature competition and second prize in the city-level Ao Dai Charming Contest. In grade 12, Phuong Ngoc was admitted to the Party at Xuan Loc High School (Dong Nai).

"Defending the Fatherland is not only a man's duty"

Phuong Ngoc is one of four "roses" in Dong Nai who volunteered to join the army in February 2024.

Before joining the army, she studied and graduated from Ho Chi Minh City University of Law (civil class 44A3). During her student years, she often participated in Youth Union and volunteer activities. She used to be an MC and voice-over artist for activities and programs while studying at Ho Chi Minh City University of Law.

Talking about her sudden entry into the military environment, the top 15 Miss Ocean Vietnam 2023 also said that in 5th grade she was able to participate in a military semester. During that time, she was trained like a soldier and felt very fond of the green color of the military uniform.

After graduating from university, she wanted to train herself in the military environment so she registered for military service. In addition, the law graduate also interacted with many friends who were soldiers, and often watched pictures and videos about the army.

"In my opinion, protecting the Fatherland is not only a man's duty. I have always wanted to join the army by registering for military service. At first, my parents were worried about this choice, because they were afraid that the military environment would be harsh and I would not be able to follow it. But then both of them supported and were proud of their daughter's decision," Ngoc said.

Sharing about her future plans, Phuong Ngoc said that after completing her military service, she wants to serve in the army for a long time to devote her youth.