The Pentagon's short more than 20,000 cyber pros. Veterans could help fill the gap. | Federal News Network
Explores the significant cybersecurity workforce gap and potential pathways to closing it, including veteran recruitment. This Federal News Network article underscores the strategic importance of cyber talent.
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The Pentagon is currently facing a shortage of over 20,000 cyber professionals, with the civilian sector estimating a shortfall of more than 750,000. Veterans possess valuable skills such as mission focus and technical aptitude, which can help bridge this gap. However, challenges remain in training, credentialing, and connecting veterans to opportunities in the cyber field.
Transitioning to Cyber Careers
Veterans without military IT experience can still transition into cyber careers by leveraging their existing skills and seeking out education and training. There are various industry certifications available from organizations like CompTIA, Microsoft, and Cisco that can enhance their resumes and demonstrate technical knowledge. Additionally, programs like the transition assistance program and GI Bill-funded certifications can provide valuable resources for veterans looking to enter the cyber workforce.
Finding Cyber Training Opportunities
Individuals interested in a cyber career should consider a mix of training options, including industry certifications from recognized organizations such as CompTIA, Microsoft, and AWS. Additionally, pursuing degree programs that offer IT industry certifications can strengthen their qualifications. It's also beneficial to explore job postings to understand the skills and terminology used in the private sector, which can help in identifying the right training paths.
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The Pentagon's short more than 20,000 cyber pros. Veterans could help fill the gap. | Federal News Network
published by Proactive Network Technologies
Proactive Network Technologies has proudly served Southwest Washington and the Portland, Oregon region since 2003. We deliver comprehensive IT services to small and medium-sized businesses, including managed IT services, technical helpdesk support, infrastructure, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, Microsoft Copilot AI enablement, and strategic IT consulting. Our clients rely on Proactive Network Technologies to design, manage, and support their technology environments through our ProactIT Managed IT solution along with cybersecurity, business continuity, and AI offerings.. We partner closely with organizations to ensure their systems are secure, reliable, and aligned with business goals—allowing them to focus on growth while we manage the complexity of technology. Our mission has always been to bring enterprise-grade IT practices, tools, and expertise to the small business community—without enterprise-level pricing. With more than two decades of experience, we have built efficient, scalable infrastructure and processes that enable us to deliver high-quality services while keeping costs predictable and affordable. We serve a diverse range of small to medium sized businesses, including financial services, legal, banking, accounting, government, medical, dental, and vision clinics, property management, real estate, manufacturing, telecom engineering, non-profit organizations, and beverage distribution.