The New Battlefield: 3 Veterans Discuss Their Transition to Cybersecurity

Veterans are finding new purpose defending digital landscapes after military service, applying battlefield mindsets to protect networks and data. Three former service members share how their military experience uniquely prepared them for careers in cybersecurity and why the industry needs more veterans.

Military skills meeting cyber demands

Cybersecurity has become a natural extension of service for many veterans, who see it as a different battleground with the same mission: protection and defense. The specialized training, discipline, and mission-focused mentality cultivated in the armed forces transfers remarkably well to securing digital assets.

"What drew me to cybersecurity after the Marines was realizing the battlefield had simply shifted," explains Shawn Dappen, Senior Director of Sales Engineering at Menlo Security. "In the Corps, my mission was to protect people and assets in the physical world. Now it's about defending them in the digital one. The same mindset applies: stay alert, adapt quickly, and protect your team from unseen threats."

For Frankie Sclafani, Director of Cybersecurity Enablement at Deepwatch, the transition was equally intuitive. After dedicating nine years to the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard, where he developed expertise in malware analysis and incident response at the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command, Sclafani found cybersecurity aligned with his desire to make a positive impact.

"I was originally drawn to cybersecurity because my father was in law enforcement, and I always kind of felt that responsibility to do some good in the world," Sclafani notes. "Whether you're doing it in the military, for the FBI, or in the private sector, it's all about being a defender."

Not all veterans planned for cybersecurity careers from the start. Jeff Liford, now Associate Director at Fenix24, began as an All Source Intelligence Analyst before moving to Systems Engineering as a DoD contractor. His path into cybersecurity evolved naturally as the threat landscape changed.

"I didn't originally intend to end up in cybersecurity," Liford admits. "As I transitioned out of the military, I had my eyes set on Systems Engineering and Network Operations, but the modern threat landscape basically dictates that all operators are also defenders."

The growing demand for cybersecurity professionals makes this career path increasingly attractive for transitioning service members. According to the (ISC)², the cybersecurity workforce gap reached 3.4 million people globally in 2022, highlighting the critical need for qualified talent in this sector. Understanding why cybersecurity is important for organizational resilience helps veterans recognize how their skills directly address market demands.

Why veterans excel in cybersecurity

The skills that make effective service members often translate perfectly to cybersecurity roles. Veterans bring a unique combination of technical aptitude and behavioral traits that address critical industry needs.

Dappen highlights this natural alignment: "The cybersecurity industry makes sense as a next step for veterans because it aligns perfectly with how we're trained to think and operate. Veterans understand mission focus, chain of command, and the importance of protecting something bigger than ourselves."

The work ethic ingrained through military service becomes particularly valuable during cybersecurity incidents, when rapid response and execution are crucial.

"In the military, when you're given a mission, you do everything in your power to accomplish it because lives may depend on it," Sclafani explains. "Veterans will take the same level of professionalism and importance from their service to their civilian careers. You can trust them to answer the call at three in the morning and get the job done right the first time without having to double-check their work."

Liford points to military training in operating under pressure with incomplete information as particularly valuable in cybersecurity scenarios: "The military trains you to act quickly and operate comfortably with imperfect information. That mindset is critical in recovery scenarios, where time is of the essence and organizations cannot afford to wait for perfect data."

Unique veteran attributes that strengthen security teams

Beyond technical skills, veterans bring several distinctive qualities that enhance cybersecurity teams:

• Adaptability in crisis situations: Military personnel are trained to remain calm under pressure and pivot strategies when circumstances change—essential traits during active security incidents.

• Strong teamwork and communication: Veterans understand how to collaborate effectively in high-stakes environments where clear communication can make the difference between success and failure.

• Security clearances and compliance experience: Many veterans already hold security clearances and understand regulatory compliance requirements, making them valuable assets for organizations handling sensitive data or government contracts.

• Adversarial thinking: Military training develops the ability to anticipate opponent moves and identify vulnerabilities—precisely the mindset needed for effective threat hunting and penetration testing.

Organizations focusing on building comprehensive cybersecurity awareness programs particularly benefit from veterans' security-minded perspectives and disciplined approach to following protocols.

Creating pathways for veteran transition

Despite the natural fit between veterans and cybersecurity roles, barriers to entry still exist. Industry leaders suggest several approaches to bring more former service members into the field.

"Companies could definitely do more to bring veterans into these roles," argues Dappen. "That starts with better awareness — helping veterans understand how their military experience fits into cybersecurity and offering training or bridge programs to close any technical gaps."

For veterans considering the transition, several dedicated programs can help bridge the gap between military service and cybersecurity careers.

Sclafani recommends: "Take advantage of every resource available. There's a program called SkillBridge that lets vets do an 180-day internship with a company of their choice while still on active duty. If you're unsure where to start, communities like VetSec are great for networking and information sharing."

These programs serve dual purposes, addressing the cybersecurity skills shortage while providing veterans with meaningful career opportunities that leverage their existing strengths.

Certification pathways and support resources

Successful transition often requires targeted education to complement military experience. Several certification pathways provide structured learning opportunities:

• Security+: An entry-level certification that validates the foundational knowledge needed for cybersecurity roles
• CISSP: A more advanced certification recognized globally for security professionals
• SANS Institute courses: Specialized technical training in specific cybersecurity domains

Beyond certifications, veterans should explore networking opportunities through professional associations and veteran-specific programs. Organizations like CyberVetsUSA provide free cybersecurity training to veterans and military spouses, creating accessible pathways into the industry.

Companies facing challenges with cybersecurity talent retention and recruitment would benefit significantly from developing veteran-focused hiring initiatives, as these candidates often demonstrate higher loyalty and longer tenure when their military values align with organizational culture.

How to use this information

If you're a veteran considering a cybersecurity career:

• Research programs like SkillBridge that provide hands-on experience while still in service
• Join veteran-focused cybersecurity communities such as VetSec for networking opportunities
• Identify how your specific military skills and experiences translate to cybersecurity roles

If you're an employer looking to recruit cybersecurity talent:

• Consider creating veteran-specific recruitment pipelines and training programs
• Recognize the value of military experience even when candidates lack traditional credentials
• Partner with veteran service organizations to connect with qualified candidates

As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve at a rapid pace, the industry stands to benefit significantly from the discipline, adaptability, and mission-oriented mindset that veterans bring to the digital battlefield.