Veterans and Military Personnel: Begin a New Cybersecurity Career

Veterans and military personnel transitioning out of the Armed Forces, are you ready for your next mission? Our nation needs more cybersecurity professionals at all levels, in every organization, and in every region. Veterans and transitioning military personnel who served and protected the nation are very well positioned to transition into these open cybersecurity jobs. Check out this page to learn more about why you should consider a career in cybersecurity and how you can take next steps to achieve the career of your dreams!

Why Cybersecurity? 

Join an in-demand profession

The demand for cybersecurity experts is growing faster than the current U.S. job market, making cybersecurity one of the most highly sought-after careers in the country. There are 457,000 open cybersecurity jobs in the U.S and cybersecurity professionals report a median salary of $120,000, which is nearly three times the national average.

Transfer your skills & experience

Military service members are trained to maintain situational awareness, learn on the job, make security decisions, and respond to evolving challenges in unique environments. These are critical skills needed in a cybersecurity career. Furthermore, if you have a security clearance, this will help you obtain federal positions and speed up the hiring process.

Continue to serve your country

Cybersecurity presents the opportunity for you to continue in a mission space that protects citizens and our nation’s critical infrastructure and technology. Choose a career path that allows you to thwart adversaries and defend our country in cyberspace.

How to Launch your Career

You have decided to pursue a cybersecurity career, what’s next? Depending on your previous education, training, and experience there are several different steps you can take to get started. Use the list below to gather the information and resources you need to be successful. 

  • Explore cybersecurity careers on NICCS: Not sure what careers are available to you? There are more possibilities than you think! Use these NICCS tools to map your military experience, skills, and knowledge to cybersecurity Work Roles in the Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NICE Framework):
    • NICE Framework: This interactive version of the NICE Framework allows you to explore cybersecurity Work Roles, and the Tasks, Knowledge, and Skills necessary to be successful in each one.
    • Cyber Career Pathways Tool: This resource allows you to check out cybersecurity career paths mapped to the NICE Framework and gain valuable insights for launching or transitioning to a variety of different careers in cybersecurity.
       
  • Investigate certifications: Explore the certifications that will help you along your career path, whether you are looking for beginner certifications, or those that will pair well with your experience, education, and training. Check out the Cybersecurity Certifications page on NICCS and visit certification provider websites for more information about beginner, intermediate, and expert level cybersecurity certifications.
     
  • Take training: Supplement your previous experience with cybersecurity training that will help you achieve your goals. Check out these training resources:
  • Create an education plan: If you need additional education to support your desired career path, there are several resources available to you to help with your cybersecurity education. Here are a few places to get started:
    • Designated cybersecurity schools: Check out the 400+ top cybersecurity schools across the country and find an institution near you to apply today.
    • Scholarships: There are several scholarships for cybersecurity studies you can research to help pay for your schooling. One example is the CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS) program, which provides students with $27,000 to $37,000 for undergraduate and graduate studies at participating institutions.
    • Financial assistance: Financial assistance for Veterans is available through a variety of programs and organizations. A few places to get started are the Yellow Ribbon Program and  the GI Bill.
       
  • Conduct research on the right job for you: There are a lot of great places to find information about available job. Check out these helpful tools and websites:
    • NICCS Interactive Cybersecurity Careers Map: Search thousands of federal cybersecurity job openings.
    • CyberSeek: Review data about the cybersecurity job market in your community, what roles are best to target, and how to go about transitioning to those roles.
    • Cybercareers.gov: Learn more details and gather resources to support your future cybersecurity career in the federal government.  

Learn More: Downloadable Guide

To help Veterans enter this rewarding career field, CISA provides Cybersecurity Training and Education for Veterans: A user guide for those who formerly served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This guide expands on the information listed above and includes even more resources to help Veterans begin a career in cybersecurity.

Click below to access the complete guide to CISA’s cybersecurity education and training opportunities for Veterans.

Download the Veterans User Guide now!

Information for Veteran-Serving Organizations Information

Is your organization hiring Veterans? Download the free Cybersecurity Training and Education for Veterans: Champion Communications Manual to help your organization quickly get the word out about these valuable resources. The Manual includes helpful materials, such as:

  • Sample emails and easy instructions on how you can distribute resources to your members
  • Sample blog posts and social media messaging to help you spread the word
  • An informational poster about free training to display in your workspace  

Download the Communications Manual now!