Veterans’ military skills can help them fill cyber vacancies, State official says

Retired servicemembers are uniquely suited to fill cybersecurity workforce vacancies across the U.S. government and in the private sector, according to a top State Department official.

In pre-recorded remarks delivered at an Atlantic Council event on Friday, U.S. Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel Fick said veterans’ military training has prepared them for cyber-focused careers once they have transitioned from active duty.

“With a global shortage of cybersecurity talent numbering in the millions and a relentless pace of innovation by criminals and attackers, the skills you've gained from your service and the dedication to a cause that you've shown are critically important to helping us tackle this challenge,” he said. 

There are more than 500,000 unfilled cyber positions across the U.S. alone, according to the White House. The Biden administration’s July 2023 national cybersecurity strategy said it was important to fill these vacancies to defend against an anticipated increase in cyberattacks moving forward and recommended enhancing veteran participation in the cyber workforce.

“As the military has already provided them with the opportunity to gain skills and experience, veterans may have a decreased need for employer-sponsored training and a higher rate of success during the first year of employment,” the strategy said. “Many veterans separate from service with active security clearances, which make them good candidates for sensitive cyber jobs.”

To help maximize these opportunities, Matt Noyes — the director of cyber policy and strategy for the U.S. Secret Service, who spoke at Friday’s event — said veterans should take advantage of their GI Bill benefits to attend school and fully prepare themselves for their next careers. He noted that many open federal positions include a veterans’ hiring preference and that more than 20% of Secret Service personnel are retired servicemembers. 

“You have a lot more power in your job selection helped by the military … and you need to lean into it, embrace it and recognize the ongoing effort that needs to go into defining the right fit for you,” said Noyes, who was a former infantry officer in the U.S. Army and now serves as a major in the Army Reserve.

He added that taking on more cyber-focused roles while on active duty can also help open up more career opportunities for veterans after they transition back to civilian life.

When he was in graduate school, Noyes said he attended an event that included the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and was surprised when the officer said cybersecurity roles were the most essential to fill. 

“That struck me as the most absurd answer when there's two active conflicts going on, and you need help with the thing that's never killed anyone,” Noyes said. “So I took it as a sign they must really need help then.”