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Ep 3: Translating Military Skills to Cybersecurity

Last updated on Nov. 1, 2024

In this episode of My Cyber Coach

Host Jason Shockey highlights how military veterans can transition into cybersecurity by leveraging the skills they’ve honed during service.

Jason, a veteran-turned-Chief Information Security Officer, explains how qualities like discipline, problem-solving, and teamwork make veterans ideal candidates for cybersecurity roles.

The military fosters a mission-focused mindset and sharp attention to detail, which are critical in cybersecurity. Veterans are trained to follow strict protocols, adapt under pressure, and handle high-stakes environments—essential skills for managing cyber threats. Additionally, teamwork and leadership experience gained in the military translate seamlessly into collaborative cybersecurity roles like incident response and security operations.

For those worried about lacking technical knowledge, Jason reassures listeners that cybersecurity is a broad field with room to grow. While technical skills can be learned, the mindset veterans bring—discipline, resilience, and adaptability—provides a strong foundation for success.

Cybersecurity offers a rewarding path for veterans ready to defend digital spaces with the same commitment they brought to military missions. Stay tuned for future episodes diving into technical skills, certifications, and career strategies to help you confidently step into this in-demand industry.

About My Cyber Coach

Hi, I’m Jason Shockey, a retired U.S. Marine, CISO, and founder of MyCyberPath.com. I have 25+ years of experience in cybersecurity, 20 of which were in the U.S. Military and Intelligence Community leading cyberspace operations, cyber risk management, and cyber incident response. Three of my last 20 years were spent with the Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF) at the USCYBERCOM/NSA Campus at Ft. Meade leading national level operations.

I know firsthand how challenging it is to transition from military service into civilian life. Military veterans are uniquely qualified for careers in cyber security and I’m here to teach you why.