Former military personnel are increasingly finding cybersecurity roles, driven by a significant global shortage of skilled workers. The UK’s armed forces have introduced a training program to equip recruits with the necessary skills, reflecting the industry’s demand for those with a strong sense of vigilance and problem-solving abilities honed in military environments.
Background
Cyberattacks have become a persistent threat to organisations worldwide. With the growing need for cybersecurity professionals, estimated to be four million globally by the World Economic Forum, military veterans are considered ideal candidates. Their unique training and experiences can translate well into roles within cybersecurity, where quick thinking and a calm approach during crises are crucial.
The UK’s Forces Employment Charity’s TechVets program reportedly assists 15 to 20 veterans monthly, with 40 to 60% moving into cybersecurity roles. This demonstrates a tangible link between military training and civilian job markets.
Industry Insights
James Murphy, former infantryman and current director of veterans and families at the Forces Employment Charity, emphasises the instincts developed in the military as valuable in cybersecurity. “When you see a trashcan by the side of the road, and you know no one is collecting rubbish that day, the spider hairs on the back of your neck start tingling,” he remarked, highlighting the acute awareness veterans bring to cyber roles.
Recent cyber incidents affecting major UK retailers underscore the need for such skills, marking the urgency for organisations to strengthen their defences against potential threats.
Mo Ahddoud, an interim chief information security officer and former Royal Artillery soldier, reflects on his path from military service to cybersecurity. After transitioning from military life, where law enforcement was a common next step, he recognised the shift toward technology. He sought additional training, ultimately landing roles with industry leaders like BAE Systems and Universal Studios.
“The real skill is dealing with problems,” Ahddoud notes, emphasising that a military mindset—focusing on ‘risk, defence in depth, and layers of defence’—aligns seamlessly with modern cybersecurity practices.
Veteran Contributions to Cybersecurity
Catherine Burn, associate director at cybersecurity recruitment firm LT Harper, notes that veterans are particularly well-suited for “blue team” roles—positions focused on security operations, incident response, and forensics. Veterans’ ability to remain composed during high-stress situations makes them invaluable in combating cyber threats.
Crystal Morin, a United States Air Force veteran who moved into cybersecurity, echoes this sentiment. “An SOC [security operations centre] is the same as the security field in which we worked. The adrenaline, the problem-solving… It’s keeping the peace and fighting the bad guys,” said Morin, who currently serves as a cybersecurity strategist at Sysdig.
Looking Ahead
As the cybersecurity landscape evolves, integrating military veterans into this field appears to be a promising trend. Murphy believes that once employers recognise veterans’ skills, their willingness to hire from this community will likely grow.
However, Murphy stresses the importance of finding the right organisational fit for veterans, as cultural differences between military and civilian workplaces can pose challenges. “When you get up in the morning and you’re already looking forward to going to work, you’re working in a team where you feel you belong,” he advises.
Despite the rewarding nature of cybersecurity roles, some veterans, like Morin, still yearn for the direct impact of their military service. “I miss being able to take down the bad guys and defend the world,” she reflects, “but I’ve found a new purpose in protecting against cyber threats.”
This evolving narrative underscores the potent intersection between military experience and cybersecurity, paving the way for a generation of skilled professionals ready to combat digital threats worldwide.
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