The 5×5—Veteran perspectives on cyber workforce development

On November 3, the Atlantic Council’s Cyber Statecraft Initiative hosted “Joining forces: Veteran perspectives on cyber and tech workforce development” to discuss transitioning veterans interested in careers in cybersecurity and cyber policy. The veteran community is diverse but the transition out of uniform to civilian work is a well-recognized and widely challenging shift, both for servicemembers and their families.  

In July 2023, the Biden administration released the National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy, aimed at developing and maintaining the United States’ cybersecurity advantage through a skilled workforce. The Strategy highlights the importance of attracting veterans to careers in cybersecurity, given that the community is comprised of “diverse, and technologically skilled … people who have served the country and are committed to mission success.” Enhancing career pathways for servicemembers and the veteran community to join the cyber workforce can go a long way toward both meeting the urgent demand for cyber talent while providing job opportunities to those aspiring to meaningful careers beyond the military. 

To continue these conversations, and in honor of National Military Veterans and Families Month, we brought together a group of veterans to discuss their own transitions from the military to the cyber workforce and suggest ways to improve the process for others. 

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Brandon Pugh, director, cybersecurity and emerging threats, R Street Institute; US Army: 

“The transition for servicemembers into most civilian career fields presents challenges, and cybersecurity is no exception. It is imperative for servicemembers and veterans to learn from and network with those who have successfully transitioned before them and with those who are working in the field already. Hiring managers play a key role and should strive to proactively create a culture internally of hiring and supporting veterans, including linking job seekers to veterans at their organizations. I can attest firsthand that many individuals in the cyber field are willing to be a resource, and veterans should seek mentors early on in their job search.”