For many military veterans, the leap from combat zones to cybersecurity operations is more intuitive than it might seem. James Murphy, a former infantryman and now director at the UK’s Forces Employment Charity, compares his battlefield vigilance to spotting cyber threats: recognizing subtle anomalies, like an unexpected trashcan, and sensing danger. That instinct, he says, is exactly what cybersecurity demands constant alertness and rapid response under pressure.
With cyberattacks on the rise globally from criminal operations to state-sponsored threats, organizations are scrambling to strengthen their digital defenses. In the UK, military veterans are increasingly filling that gap. The charity’s TechVets program supports 15 to 20 ex-service members monthly in transitioning to tech roles, with up to 60% entering cybersecurity. This pipeline is critical, given a global shortfall of 4 million cybersecurity professionals.
Veterans bring unique value to cybersecurity, Murphy explains: their experience in high-stakes environments, their resilience, and their team-oriented mindset. The UK’s armed forces themselves are recognizing the importance of cyber defense, launching fast-track programs to recruit and train cybersecurity talent within the ranks.
A New Front Line: Military Training Meets Cyber Strategy
While the pathway from military service to cybersecurity isn’t always straightforward, many veterans have found that their core skills are surprisingly transferable. Mo Ahddoud, interim chief information security officer and a former Royal Artillery soldier, initially considered a career in law enforcement after his military service. However, he pivoted toward technology through online courses in computer repair, eventually working for companies like BAE Systems and Universal Studios in cybersecurity roles.
Ahddoud says the mindset instilled during his military service, particularly around risk assessment, layered defense, and process-based problem solving, directly mirrors cybersecurity strategy. “You’re trained to think: how do you fix the issue when everything else fails?” he explains. Preparedness, flexibility, and rapid adaptation to unfolding situations are all critical in defending digital systems, just as they are on a physical battlefield.
Veterans also tend to excel in “blue team” roles in cybersecurity focused on defense, monitoring, and incident response, where teamwork and composure under pressure are key. Catherine Burn from recruitment firm LT Harper notes that ex-military personnel are often ideal for these roles because they thrive in collaborative, high-stress situations that require rapid decision-making and discipline.
A Military Veterans Shared Culture: Community, Mission, and Purpose
Military Veterans Beyond the technical alignment, veterans often find a cultural similarity between military service and cybersecurity work. Crystal Morin, a former U.S. Air Force analyst, found her way into cybersecurity after working in counterterrorism and threat finance. Now a strategist at Sysdig, she describes the Security Operations Center (SOC) as akin to military command centers, fast-paced, purpose-driven, and collaborative.
She emphasizes the shared sense of camaraderie, adrenaline, and mission focus. “Fighting the bad guys” may now mean blocking cyberattacks rather than apprehending terrorists, but the fundamental goal of protecting people and systems remains. Veterans, she adds, often transition into cybersecurity roles through cross-training or educational benefits, leveraging both their service experience and new technical knowledge.
Employers, too, are beginning to recognize the potential of hiring from the armed forces. Murphy notes that once a company hires a veteran, they often return for more. While the private sector may lack the structured environment of the military, veterans are encouraged to seek organizations that offer purpose, teamwork, and impact elements central to both the battlefield and the cyber front line.
