Veterans Transitioning to Cybersecurity Careers

Leaving the military comes with challenges-redefining your purpose, finding a meaningful career, and stepping into an unfamiliar civilian world where your experience isn't always understood. But what if your military skills could be the key to success in one of the fastest-growing and most mission-driven industries today? The cybersecurity field is facing a massive talent shortage, and veterans have exactly what it takes to fill the gap. Tactical decision-making, problem-solving under pressure, and a mission-first mindset-these are the same skills that make an effective cyber professional. In this episode, we sit down with Ricoh Danielson, an Army veteran and cybersecurity expert, to break down how veterans can transition into cyber careers, whether they have a technical background or not. We dive into the real-world pathways available, including training programs, certifications, and networking strategies that get veterans in the door. Ricoh shares his own journey from the battlefield to cybersecurity, how he built a successful career in the industry, and why veterans are uniquely suited to excel in this space. If you're looking for a career that offers both purpose and opportunity, cybersecurity might just be your next mission. Listen in as we map out the steps to make it happen.

Timestamps 03:15 - Recognizing transferable military skills suitable for cybersecurity​ 12:40 - Training programs and certifications tailored for veterans​ 25:10 - Navigating the cybersecurity job market as a veteran​ 37:55 - Success stories: Veterans thriving in cybersecurity roles​ 48:20 - Resources and support systems for veterans entering tech fields

Links & Resources

• Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1

Transcript

View the transcript for this episode.