Why Veterans Make the Best Hires for Cybersecurity Business Roles (and How to Get Started)
The Gist
First, to all veterans on this day and every day - Thank You For Your Service!
Every Veteran’s Day, I’m reminded of the incredible skills, discipline, and grit veterans bring to the table. I’ve seen firsthand how veterans excel in roles that require problem-solving, mission focus, and resilience—all things cybersecurity needs, especially on the business side. In fact, some of my favorite people—my husband included—came out of the service ready to make a difference in new ways, bringing those mission-critical skills into fields that truly value them.
Cybersecurity is one of those fields. And while a lot of people think it’s all technical, that’s not true. Business roles in cybersecurity—like sales, marketing, and customer success—are every bit as important, driving the success of technical innovation. Veterans’ natural strengths in communication, adaptability, and teamwork make them perfect for these roles. The best part? Plenty of training programs and resources exist to help veterans bridge any knowledge gaps, often at no cost.
So, in honor of our veterans, let’s explore why cybersecurity needs you and how you can get started, from choosing the right role to accessing training designed just for you.
Veterans Have What it Takes
Veterans bring serious strengths to the table when it comes to cybersecurity. We’re talking about values and skills that go beyond just tech know-how. Cybersecurity isn’t just about coding and configuring firewalls—it’s about protecting people, securing data, and responding quickly when things go sideways. Veterans get that. They understand mission-oriented work and thrive under pressure, which is what the cybersecurity field needs.
Mission-Oriented Mindset: Veterans are wired to protect and serve, a mission that lines up perfectly with cybersecurity’s core values. They’re trained to think fast, act quickly, and focus on protecting others. It’s not just “a job” for them—keeping people safe is part of who they are.
Adaptability Under Pressure: In cybersecurity, you need to be agile and ready for the unexpected. Veterans are used to making quick decisions in complex situations. This is a critical skill, especially for roles that require strategic decision-making on the business side, such as Customer Success or Sales.
Communication and Teamwork: Veterans understand team dynamics better than most, which is vital in cybersecurity roles. On the business side, these skills translate into the ability to lead, collaborate, and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical teams. Whether in Marketing or Project Management, veterans have the communication skills to bridge knowledge gaps and connect teams with the same end goals.
Cybersecurity Business Roles for Veterans
Not everyone coming into cybersecurity needs to head straight into the SOC (Security Operations Center) or deep tech roles like engineering. There are countless roles that need veterans’ mission-driven focus and leadership skills on the business side of cybersecurity. Let’s look at a few:
Sales and Business Development: Veterans make excellent salespeople in the cybersecurity world. They’re all about building relationships, solving problems, and helping others find solutions to their challenges. In cybersecurity sales, it’s not just about pushing a product; it’s about understanding what clients need and showing them why certain tools are vital to keeping their operations safe.
Customer Success and Support: Customer success is all about guiding clients to get the most out of their security investments. Mission-driven veterans find fulfillment in ensuring others succeed, and they bring that sense of duty to customer success roles. They know how to listen to clients, understand their pain points, and be the trusted advisor that clients rely on for guidance and support.
Marketing and Product Marketing: Cybersecurity products are complex, and marketing them requires the ability to connect the dots between the product’s features and the real-world needs of users. Veterans are trained to analyze, strategize, and communicate, which makes them well-suited for marketing. They understand how to speak to a target audience and convey value—skills that are essential in positioning cybersecurity products in the market.
Project Management and Operations: Veterans bring unmatched organization skills and can keep teams aligned toward a common goal. In project management, they can take charge of cybersecurity initiatives, manage budgets, and coordinate between departments to make sure projects are delivered smoothly.
Free or Discounted Cybersecurity Training Programs for Veterans
I want to make it easy for any veteran reading this to jumpstart their cybersecurity career. Here’s a list of some of the best training resources that are either free or heavily discounted for veterans and active-duty military. Each one has been designed to help veterans build a foundation in cybersecurity, covering everything from technical skills to business-oriented knowledge.
Federal Virtual Training Environment (FedVTE): An online training platform with cybersecurity courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels, including training in risk management and ethical hacking. The best part? It’s completely free for veterans and military personnel.
Access the program here: niccs.cisa.gov/education-training/federal-virtual-training-environment-fedvte
Fortinet Veterans Program: Fortinet offers free self-paced training, hands-on labs, and certification exam vouchers. Veterans and military spouses can gain foundational cybersecurity skills and pursue entry-level certifications, all free of charge.
Check it out here: fortinet.com/training/veterans-program
SANS VetSuccess Academy: This selective program provides training, mentorship, and certification at no cost for veterans and transitioning service members. The training is intensive, leading to certifications that hold serious weight in the industry.
Learn more here: sans.org/cyber-academy/vetsuccess
CyberVetsUSA: A collaboration between industry leaders and government agencies, CyberVetsUSA offers free cybersecurity training for veterans and military spouses. Their courses are high-quality and often lead directly to certifications that employers value.
University of West Florida CyberSkills2Work Program: This program focuses on career development and offers cybersecurity training for veterans, military spouses, and underrepresented groups. It’s ideal for those looking to develop a comprehensive skill set and network in the industry.
Visit the program page here: uwf.edu/centers/center-for-cybersecurity/workforce-development/uwf-cyberskills2work-program
The Bottom Line
Veterans have already proven they can handle high-stakes missions with resilience and dedication—qualities that cybersecurity really needs. Whether it’s in sales, customer success, marketing, or project management, there’s a cybersecurity business role waiting for you where you can put your skills to use and continue making a difference.
And remember, you’re not alone on this path. Programs like FedVTE, Fortinet’s Veterans Program, and CyberVetsUSA are ready to equip you with the foundational knowledge you need, often at zero cost. With these resources and your own strengths, you’re already on the path to success in an industry that values what veterans bring.
So, if you’re a veteran—or if you know someone who is—explore these options, consider how your unique skills align with the cybersecurity mission, and know that this field welcomes you with open arms. Your next mission awaits.
