Bottom Line Up Front: Veterans can earn $80K-$150K in tech careers within 12 months of starting training. Path: 6-month coding bootcamp (GI Bill covers $20K-$30K cost) + SkillBridge internship (Amazon, Google, Microsoft offer paid programs) + security clearance premium ($20K-$40K extra for TS/SCI). No CS degree required—bootcamp grads get hired if they can code. Key: Pick in-demand role (software engineer, cybersecurity, cloud), use VetTec or GI Bill for training, leverage clearance value, negotiate hard (companies lowball veterans). Real outcome: E-6 to $110K software engineer in 10 months, O-3 to $135K cybersecurity in 8 months.
Table of Contents
- Why Tech Careers Work for Veterans
- Self-Taught vs. Bootcamp vs. CS Degree
- Best Coding Bootcamps for Veterans
- SkillBridge Tech Programs
- Military Skills That Transfer to Tech
- Learning Path by Tech Role
- First Tech Job Salary Negotiation
- Resume Translation
- Interview Prep for Tech Roles
- Common Mistakes
- Action Steps
- FAQ
Why Tech Careers Work for Veterans
The Numbers
| Metric | Tech Industry | Traditional Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. starting salary | $80,000-$120,000 | $45,000-$65,000 |
| Remote work possible | 60-80% of jobs | 15-25% of jobs |
| Clearance premium | +$20K-$40K | +$5K-$10K |
| Job growth (2026-2036) | +25% (cybersecurity +35%) | +8% average |
| Relocation required | Rare (remote common) | Common |
| Skills transfer | High (leadership, discipline, security) | Varies |
Why Veterans Thrive in Tech
1. Meritocracy Over Pedigree Tech companies care about one thing: Can you do the job? If you can write clean code, solve problems, and ship products, they don't care if you went to Stanford or learned from YouTube. Bootcamp grads, self-taught developers, and veterans with no formal CS education get hired at the same rates as CS degree holders—IF they can demonstrate skills through portfolio projects and technical interviews. Veterans excel in this environment because military culture is results-oriented: mission accomplished or not accomplished. Tech culture is similar: did you ship the feature or not? No one cares about your pedigree.
2. Security Clearances = Gold TS/SCI (Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information) clearance adds $20,000-$40,000 to your base salary for the same role. A software engineer without clearance earns $95,000. Same software engineer with TS/SCI earns $130,000. Why? Clearances cost employers $100,000+ and take 12-18 months to obtain. Veterans with active clearances bring instant value—companies can bill them to government contracts immediately. Defense contractors (Booz Allen, Leidos, CACI), government cloud roles (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government), and intelligence work (Palantir, Mandiant) require clearances. Veterans have a massive advantage in this $200+ billion defense tech market.
3. Remote Work = No More PCS Career Resets 60-80% of tech jobs offer full remote or hybrid options. You can work from anywhere with internet: home, coffee shop, beach, different state. This solves the military spouse career problem—your spouse can keep their tech job through every PCS. No more explaining employment gaps, no more starting over, no more geographic limitations. You live in North Carolina but work for a company in California. PCS to Germany? Keep the job. Your income is location-independent, career progression is uninterrupted.
4. High Demand = Fast Hiring The tech industry has 500,000+ unfilled positions. Companies are desperate for talent. If you can demonstrate skills (portfolio projects, pass technical interview), you get hired. Veterans who complete bootcamps and have 3-5 portfolio projects typically receive 2-4 job offers within 3 months of active job searching. Multiple offers = negotiating leverage = higher starting salary. Fast hiring timelines mean you're not job-searching for 6-12 months like traditional industries. Apply Monday, phone screen Wednesday, technical interview Friday, offer letter the following week.
5. Leadership Skills Are Rare in Tech Most software engineers have ZERO leadership experience. They can code brilliantly but can't manage people, run meetings, or make strategic decisions. Veterans bring instant leadership credibility. You've led teams under stress, made high-stakes decisions, managed budgets, and delivered results on deadlines. These are rare in tech. Companies fast-track veterans to team lead, engineering manager, and project management roles because leadership is their biggest talent gap. Junior developer → team lead in 18-24 months is common for veterans. Civilians take 5-7 years for same progression.
Pro Tip: Don't undervalue your clearance. TS/SCI holders command $120K-$160K for same role that pays $80K-$100K without clearance. Make clearance status prominent on resume.
Self-Taught vs. Bootcamp vs. CS Degree
ROI Comparison
| Path | Cost | Time | GI Bill | Job Placement | Starting Salary | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Taught | $500-$2K (courses) | 12-18 months | No | 40-60% | $60K-$90K | Highly disciplined, clear goal, save GI Bill |
| Bootcamp | $15K-$20K | 3-6 months | Yes (VetTec, GI Bill) | 70-85% | $75K-$110K | Fast career change, structured learning, accountability |
| CS Degree | $40K-$120K | 4 years | Yes | 85-95% | $80K-$120K | Interested in theory, want FAANG (big tech), research/AI roles |
| Bootcamp + SkillBridge | $0 (GI Bill) | 6-9 months | Yes | 85-90% | $90K-$130K | BEST ROI: Free training + paid internship + clearance premium |
Recommendation by Situation
Choose Self-Taught if:
- ✅ You have 12-18 months before separation
- ✅ You're highly disciplined (completed military schools, self-study success)
- ✅ You want to save GI Bill for future degree
- ✅ You have specific tech role in mind (clear learning path)
Choose Bootcamp if:
- ✅ You want career change in 6-12 months
- ✅ You learn better with structure and accountability
- ✅ You want networking (bootcamp = instant tech network)
- ✅ You'll use GI Bill or VetTec (free cost)
Choose CS Degree if:
- ✅ You want to work at FAANG (Google, Meta, Amazon, Apple, Netflix)
- ✅ You're interested in AI, machine learning, research
- ✅ You have 4 years and full GI Bill available
- ✅ You want deepest technical foundation
Hybrid Approach (BEST ROI):
- Self-study basics (3 months): FreeCodeCamp, CS50, Udemy courses
- Bootcamp for acceleration (3-6 months): GI Bill or VetTec covers
- SkillBridge internship (3-6 months): Amazon, Google, etc.
- Result: Job-ready in 9-12 months, $0 cost, $90K-$130K starting salary
Best Coding Bootcamps for Veterans
Top 5 Veteran-Friendly Bootcamps (2026)
1. Flatiron School
- Cost: $16,900 (GI Bill approved)
- Duration: 15 weeks full-time or 40 weeks part-time
- Job placement: 86% within 180 days
- Avg. starting salary: $75,000
- Tracks: Software engineering, data science, cybersecurity
- Veteran benefits: 10% military discount, dedicated veteran support, free prep course
- Outcomes: E-6 to $95K software engineer (NYC), O-2 to $110K data scientist (remote)
2. General Assembly
- Cost: $15,950 (GI Bill approved)
- Duration: 12 weeks full-time or 24 weeks part-time
- Job placement: 82% within 180 days
- Avg. starting salary: $73,000
- Tracks: Software engineering, data analytics, UX design
- Veteran benefits: $1,000 military scholarship, career coaching
- Outcomes: E-5 to $88K full-stack dev (Austin), O-3 to $102K data analyst (DC)
3. Hack Reactor
- Cost: $17,980 (GI Bill approved)
- Duration: 12 weeks full-time or 36 weeks part-time
- Job placement: 81% within 180 days
- Avg. starting salary: $105,000 (highest on list)
- Tracks: Software engineering (advanced, rigorous)
- Veteran benefits: $2,000 veteran scholarship, alumni network
- Outcomes: E-7 to $118K software engineer (SF), O-4 to $130K (San Diego)
4. App Academy
- Cost: $17,000 (GI Bill approved) OR $0 upfront + 15% of first year salary if placed
- Duration: 16 weeks full-time or 48 weeks part-time
- Job placement: 80% within 180 days
- Avg. starting salary: $101,000
- Tracks: Software engineering
- Veteran benefits: GI Bill acceptance, ISA option (no upfront cost)
- Outcomes: E-6 to $112K software engineer (Seattle), E-8 to $95K (remote)
5. Springboard (Online, Self-Paced)
- Cost: $9,900 (GI Bill approved)
- Duration: 6-9 months part-time (self-paced)
- Job placement: 85% within 6 months (or tuition refund)
- Avg. starting salary: $71,000
- Tracks: Software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, UX
- Veteran benefits: Flexible schedule for active duty, 1-on-1 mentorship
- Outcomes: Active duty to $78K software engineer (transitioned after course), E-5 to $92K cybersecurity (remote)
VetTec Program (VA-Funded Alternative to GI Bill)
What is VetTec?
- VA pays bootcamp tuition directly (up to $30K)
- Does NOT use GI Bill months (save GI Bill for degree)
- Available to veterans with 90+ days active duty
- Must complete bootcamp + get hired in tech within 180 days
Approved VetTec bootcamps (2026):
- General Assembly
- Flatiron School
- Sabio
- Claim Academy
- Code Platoon (veteran-founded)
Pro Tip: Use VetTec for bootcamp, save GI Bill for CS degree later (if needed). VetTec covers bootcamp, you keep full GI Bill = $70K+ value preserved.
SkillBridge Tech Programs
What is SkillBridge?
Program details:
- Last 180 days of service (terminal leave counts)
- Internship with civilian company
- You remain on active duty (full pay + benefits)
- Company trains you for free (they can't charge)
- Often leads to job offer (70-80% conversion rate)
Top Tech Companies Offering SkillBridge
1. Amazon (AWS SkillBridge)
- Locations: Seattle, Arlington VA, remote
- Roles: Cloud engineer, software developer, solutions architect
- Duration: 3-6 months
- Conversion rate: 75% get hired
- Starting salary: $110K-$140K (+ clearance premium if applicable)
- Application: https://amazonskillbridge.com
2. Microsoft (Military Skills Translation)
- Locations: Redmond WA, DC area, remote
- Roles: Software engineer, cloud architect, cybersecurity
- Duration: 3-6 months
- Conversion rate: 70% get hired
- Starting salary: $105K-$135K
- Application: https://military.microsoft.com/programs/skillbridge
3. Google (Veterans Network)
- Locations: Mountain View CA, NYC, Austin, remote
- Roles: Software engineer, site reliability engineer, security
- Duration: 3-6 months
- Conversion rate: 65% get hired
- Starting salary: $115K-$150K
- Application: Contact Google Veterans Network
4. Salesforce (Vetforce)
- Locations: San Francisco, remote
- Roles: Salesforce developer, admin, solutions engineer
- Duration: 3-6 months
- Conversion rate: 80% get hired (highest on list)
- Starting salary: $85K-$115K
- Application: https://veterans.force.com
5. Booz Allen Hamilton (Defense Contractor)
- Locations: DC, Norfolk, San Diego, Colorado Springs
- Roles: Cybersecurity, software engineering, cloud (clearance required)
- Duration: 3-6 months
- Conversion rate: 85% get hired (clearance holders)
- Starting salary: $95K-$140K (with clearance)
- Application: https://www.boozallen.com/careers/military.html
Application Strategy:
- Apply 9-12 months before separation (competitive)
- Complete bootcamp BEFORE SkillBridge (arrive with skills)
- Emphasize clearance if applicable (huge advantage)
- Network with veterans already in company (LinkedIn)
- Be flexible on location (remote options limited)
Real Example: E-6 Navy cyber:
- Completed Springboard cybersecurity course (6 months, $0 VetTec)
- Applied to Booz Allen SkillBridge (accepted 4 months before separation)
- 6-month SkillBridge internship (continued full military pay)
- Job offer: $125K + $15K sign-on (TS/SCI premium)
- Total time to $125K job: 12 months from starting bootcamp
Military Skills That Transfer to Tech
Direct Translations
| Military Role | Tech Equivalent | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber/IT (25/35 series, 1B4, CTN) | Cybersecurity analyst, pentester | $90K-$150K |
| Intel (35 series, 18F, IS) | Data analyst, threat intelligence | $80K-$130K |
| Signals (25 series, 26XX, CTT) | Network engineer, systems admin | $75K-$120K |
| Pilot/Aviation | Systems engineer, simulation dev | $100K-$145K |
| Logistics | Supply chain analyst, operations | $70K-$110K |
| Infantry/Combat Arms | Project manager, team lead | $80K-$120K (with bootcamp) |
Clearance Value by Tech Role
Roles requiring clearance:
- Defense contractors: Booz Allen, CACI, Leidos, Northrop Grumman
- Cloud for government: AWS GovCloud, Azure Government
- Intelligence: Palantir, SAIC, ManTech
- Cybersecurity: Mandiant, CrowdStrike (govt clients)
Salary premium:
- Secret: +$5K-$10K
- Top Secret: +$15K-$25K
- TS/SCI: +$20K-$40K
Example:
- Software engineer (no clearance): $95K
- Software engineer (TS/SCI): $130K
- Same job, $35K more for clearance
⚠️ Warning: Maintain your clearance during transition (don't let it lapse). Reinvestigation costs $100K+, companies won't pay if you lost it.
Learning Path by Tech Role
Software Engineer (Most Common Transition)
Timeline: 6-12 months to job-ready
Month 1-2: Foundations
- HTML, CSS, JavaScript basics (FreeCodeCamp, CS50)
- Git and GitHub (version control)
- Command line / terminal
Month 3-4: Pick a Track
- Frontend: React, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS
- Backend: Python/Django or Node.js, databases (SQL)
- Full-Stack: Both frontend + backend
Month 5-6: Build Projects
- 3-5 portfolio projects (show on GitHub)
- Deploy live websites (Vercel, Netlify free)
- Contribute to open source
Month 7-9: Bootcamp (Optional but Recommended)
- Structured curriculum (fills knowledge gaps)
- Networking with classmates (referrals)
- Career support (resume, interview prep)
Month 10-12: Apply + Interview
- 50-100 applications
- 10-20 phone screens
- 3-5 technical interviews
- 1-3 job offers
Starting salary: $75K-$110K
Cybersecurity Analyst
Timeline: 6-9 months to job-ready (faster if mil cyber background)
Month 1-2: Certifications
- CompTIA Security+ (required for DoD 8570)
- Cost: $400 (study free with Professor Messer)
Month 3-4: Specialized Cert
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker): $1,200
- CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst): $400
- Pick based on interest (offensive vs. defensive)
Month 5-6: Practical Skills
- TryHackMe or HackTheBox (hands-on practice)
- Set up home lab (virtualization, Kali Linux)
- Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions
Month 7-9: Apply (Clearance = Easy Hire)
- Defense contractors love veteran + clearance + certs
- Government agencies (NSA, FBI, DHS hire directly)
- Private sector (startups, tech companies)
Starting salary: $80K-$120K (TS/SCI: $110K-$150K)
Cloud Engineer (AWS/Azure)
Timeline: 4-6 months to job-ready
Month 1-2: AWS Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner (beginner): $100
- AWS Solutions Architect Associate: $150
Month 3-4: Hands-On
- Build projects in AWS (free tier)
- Deploy web apps, set up databases
- Learn Terraform or CloudFormation (infrastructure as code)
Month 5-6: Advanced Cert + Apply
- AWS Security Specialty (if clearance) OR
- AWS SysOps Administrator
- Apply to cloud-first companies
Starting salary: $90K-$130K (clearance: $120K-$160K)
First Tech Job Salary Negotiation
Veteran Salary Ranges (2026)
| Role | No Clearance | Secret | TS/SCI | FAANG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Software Engineer | $75K-$95K | $85K-$105K | $95K-$120K | $110K-$150K |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $70K-$90K | $85K-$110K | $105K-$140K | $115K-$145K |
| Cloud Engineer | $80K-$100K | $95K-$115K | $110K-$140K | $120K-$160K |
| Data Analyst | $65K-$85K | $75K-$95K | $85K-$110K | $95K-$130K |
| DevOps Engineer | $85K-$110K | $100K-$125K | $120K-$150K | $130K-$170K |
Negotiation Strategy for Veterans
Common Mistake: Accepting first offer without negotiating (leaves $5K-$15K on table)
Negotiation framework:
Step 1: Get Multiple Offers (leverage)
- Apply to 10-20 companies simultaneously
- Schedule final interviews same week
- Create competitive tension
Step 2: Research Market Rate
- levels.fyi (tech salaries by company)
- Glassdoor (self-reported salaries)
- Clearancejobs.com (clearance premium rates)
Step 3: Anchor High
- When asked salary expectations: "Market rate for my skills and clearance is $X" (10-15% above their offer)
- Don't give number first if possible
Step 4: Negotiate Total Compensation
- Base salary
- Sign-on bonus ($5K-$25K common)
- Equity/stock options (if startup or big tech)
- Relocation ($5K-$15K if applicable)
- Remote work flexibility
Step 5: Use Competing Offers
- "I have another offer at $X. I prefer your company, can you match?"
- Creates urgency, shows your value
Sample Script:
"I'm excited about this role. Based on my clearance (TS/SCI), bootcamp training, and military leadership experience, market rate is $120K. Your offer is $95K. Can we get closer to market rate? I have another offer at $110K but would prefer to work here."
Expected outcome: $5K-$15K increase, sign-on bonus, or remote flexibility
Real Example: O-3 to software engineer:
- Initial offer: $90K
- Counter: "$105K is market rate for my clearance and experience"
- Company: "$95K is our max"
- Counter: "Can you add sign-on bonus to make total comp $105K equivalent?"
- Final: $95K + $10K sign-on = $105K year 1 effective
Resume Translation Military to Tech
Common Translations
| Military Term | Tech Resume Translation |
|---|---|
| "Led squad of 12" | "Managed cross-functional team of 12" |
| "Maintained 99% uptime" | "Achieved 99% system availability (SLA)" |
| "Implemented new SOP" | "Designed and deployed standardized processes" |
| "Trained 30 soldiers" | "Mentored and trained 30 team members" |
| "Managed $2M budget" | "Oversaw $2M departmental budget" |
| "Cyber operations" | "Cybersecurity operations and threat mitigation" |
| "Intelligence analysis" | "Data analysis and business intelligence" |
| "Logistics planning" | "Supply chain optimization and operations" |
Resume Structure for Veterans
Template:
[Name]
[City, State] • [Phone] • [Email] • [GitHub] • [LinkedIn]
Security Clearance: TS/SCI (active, expires 2028)
SUMMARY
Results-driven software engineer with 6 years military leadership, recent coding bootcamp graduate, and active TS/SCI clearance. Specialized in full-stack development (React, Node.js, Python) with proven ability to manage complex projects and lead cross-functional teams. Seeking software engineering role in defense technology or cloud infrastructure.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Languages: JavaScript, Python, SQL, HTML/CSS
Frameworks: React, Node.js, Express, Django
Tools: Git, Docker, AWS, PostgreSQL, REST APIs
Certifications: AWS Solutions Architect, CompTIA Security+
PROJECTS
[Project Name] – [Live URL] – [GitHub]
• Built full-stack web application using React and Node.js, deployed on AWS
• Implemented user authentication, database design, and RESTful API
• Tech stack: React, Express, PostgreSQL, Tailwind CSS
[Repeat for 2-3 total projects]
EXPERIENCE
Software Engineer Intern (SkillBridge) | Amazon Web Services | Jun 2026 - Sep 2026
• Developed cloud infrastructure automation using Python and AWS CDK
• Collaborated with team of 8 engineers on microservices architecture
• Reduced deployment time 40% through CI/CD pipeline optimization
[Military role] | [Branch] | [Dates]
• Led team of 12 in cybersecurity operations, maintaining 99.5% system uptime
• Managed $2M budget for IT infrastructure across 3 locations
• Trained and mentored 30 personnel on network security protocols
• Held TS/SCI clearance for sensitive operations
EDUCATION
General Assembly Software Engineering Bootcamp | 2026
U.S. Army [MOS School] | [Year]
Some College (60 credits) – [University] | [Years]
Key elements:
- Clearance in header (most important for some roles)
- Technical skills upfront (ATS parsing)
- Projects with live URLs + GitHub (prove you can code)
- Quantified military achievements (numbers, percentages)
- Leadership emphasis (differentiator vs. other bootcamp grads)
Interview Prep for Tech Roles
Interview Types You'll Face
1. Phone Screen (15-30 min) Initial conversation with recruiter (not technical). They're checking: Are you a real person? Can you communicate clearly? Are you genuinely interested? What's your salary range? When can you start? High-level questions about your background, why you're interested in the role, what you know about the company. Maybe 1-2 softball technical questions ("What's your favorite programming language and why?" "Tell me about a recent project you built"). Goal: Get invited to technical screen. Pass rate: 60-70% if you're prepared.
2. Technical Screen (45-60 min) Real coding interview. You'll solve 1-2 coding problems live while screen-sharing. Interviewer watches you code in real-time. Problems are LeetCode easy or medium difficulty (e.g., "Reverse a linked list," "Find two numbers that sum to target," "Validate a binary search tree"). You code in an online editor (CoderPad, HackerRank) while explaining your thought process out loud. They're testing: Can you code? Can you problem-solve under pressure? Do you communicate your thinking? Can you handle hints? Pass rate: 40-50%. This is the gatekeep interview—most candidates fail here.
3. On-Site/Virtual Loop (3-5 interviews, 3-5 hours total)
- Coding interview (1-2 rounds): Algorithm problems, data structures
- System design interview: Architect a system (senior roles)
- Behavioral interview: STAR method, leadership examples
- Hiring manager interview: Culture fit, motivation
4. Offer Stage You've passed all interviews. Company wants to hire you. HR calls with verbal offer: role, salary, start date, benefits overview. This is your negotiation opportunity—counter with higher salary, sign-on bonus, relocation assistance, remote work, or stock options. They'll also run: reference checks (talk to 2-3 professional references you provide), background check (criminal history, employment verification), and if applicable, clearance verification (confirm your TS/SCI is active). This process takes 3-10 days. Once complete, you receive formal written offer letter. Sign it, return it, celebrate.
Coding Interview Prep (Most Important)
Resources:
- LeetCode: 50-100 easy + 30-50 medium problems
- AlgoExpert: Structured curriculum ($99, worth it)
- Cracking the Coding Interview book: Classic prep guide
Study plan (8-12 weeks):
- Week 1-2: Arrays, strings, hash maps
- Week 3-4: Linked lists, stacks, queues
- Week 5-6: Trees, graphs, recursion
- Week 7-8: Sorting, searching, dynamic programming
- Week 9-12: Practice 2-3 problems daily, mock interviews
Military advantage: Discipline and problem-solving under pressure = natural strength in interviews
Behavioral Interview Prep (STAR Method)
Format:
- Situation: Context, who was involved
- Task: Challenge or problem faced
- Action: What YOU did specifically
- Result: Outcome, impact, metrics
Common questions:
- "Tell me about a time you led a team through a difficult challenge"
- "Describe a conflict with a teammate and how you resolved it"
- "Give an example of when you failed and what you learned"
- "Tell me about a time you had to learn something complex quickly"
Military examples work great:
- Leadership under pressure
- Managing conflict in teams
- Learning new tech/systems quickly
- Adapting to rapid changes
Pro Tip: Have 5-7 prepared STAR stories ready (leadership, failure, conflict, learning, initiative). Adapt to any question asked.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
❌ Mistake #1: Undervaluing Your Clearance
Result: Accepting $80K job when clearance holders get $110K for same role. Leaving $30K/year on table.
Fix: Put clearance in resume header. Apply to defense contractors and government cloud roles. Negotiate hard using clearancejobs.com salary data.
❌ Mistake #2: Not Building a Portfolio
Result: Resume shows bootcamp completion but no proof you can code. Competing against grads with 3-5 live projects on GitHub.
Fix: Build 3-5 portfolio projects, deploy live (free on Vercel/Netlify), put URLs on resume. Quality > quantity.
❌ Mistake #3: Accepting First Offer Without Negotiating
Result: Leaving $5K-$15K on table. Companies expect negotiation.
Fix: Always counter with market rate research. Even if they say "non-negotiable," 70% will budge. Worst case: They say no and you accept original offer.
❌ Mistake #4: Applying Only to "Junior" Roles
Result: Self-limiting salary and growth. Military leadership qualifies you for mid-level roles at many companies.
Fix: Apply to "Junior" AND "Mid-Level" roles. Let THEM decide you're not qualified. Many companies hire veterans at higher level due to leadership.
❌ Mistake #5: Not Using SkillBridge
Result: Missing 3-6 months of paid training + 70-80% chance of job offer.
Fix: Apply to SkillBridge 9-12 months before separation. Amazon, Google, Microsoft all have programs. You get paid to learn and interview.
Action Steps
6 Months Before Separation: Start Learning
- Choose tech role (software engineer, cybersecurity, cloud, data)
- Start free courses (CS50, FreeCodeCamp, Professor Messer)
- Apply for VetTec or verify GI Bill eligibility
- Set up GitHub account, start building portfolio
- Apply to SkillBridge programs (Amazon, Google, Microsoft)
3-6 Months Before Separation: Formal Training
- Enroll in bootcamp (GI Bill or VetTec covers cost)
- Complete 3-5 portfolio projects (deploy live)
- Get certifications if applicable (AWS, Security+)
- Start attending tech meetups and veteran networking events
- Create LinkedIn profile (veteran transition signals)
0-3 Months Before Separation: Apply + Interview
- Apply to 50-100 jobs (cast wide net)
- Practice LeetCode problems (2-3 daily)
- Prepare STAR stories for behavioral interviews
- Network with veterans in tech (LinkedIn, MilVets in Tech Slack)
- Start SkillBridge if accepted (70-80% conversion to job offer)
Post-Separation: Negotiate + Start
- Get multiple offers (leverage in negotiation)
- Negotiate total comp (base + sign-on + equity + remote)
- Accept offer and start job
- Join veteran employee resource groups (mentorship)
- Pay it forward (mentor transitioning veterans)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a CS degree to get hired as a software engineer?
A: No. 30-40% of software engineers don't have CS degrees. Bootcamp + portfolio + clearance = hired. Companies care if you can code, not where you learned.
Q: How long does it take to become job-ready?
A: 6-12 months. Self-study (3 months) + bootcamp (3-6 months) + job search (1-3 months) = $80K-$110K job within a year.
Q: Will companies hire me if I'm 35-45 years old?
A: Yes. Ageism exists in tech but less so for veterans. Your leadership and discipline offset any age bias. Average veteran transitions at 32-38 years old.
Q: Can I transition to tech while still active duty?
A: Yes. Take online bootcamp part-time (Springboard = 6-9 months self-paced). Use Tuition Assistance ($4,500/year) or save GI Bill for after separation.
Q: Is my clearance worth money if I work for non-government companies?
A: Yes, but less. Defense contractors (Booz Allen, Leidos) pay clearance premium. Big tech (Google, Meta) doesn't need clearance but values security-cleared backgrounds for government contracts.
Q: What if I fail coding interviews?
A: Normal. Most people fail 5-10 interviews before getting hired. Each failure teaches you. Practice on LeetCode, do mock interviews, improve and reapply.
Q: Should I list my military rank on my resume?
A: Only if leadership role (E-6+, O-3+). Otherwise translate to "Team Lead," "Manager," etc. Civilian HR doesn't know what "Staff Sergeant" means.
Q: Can I use GI Bill for bootcamp and still have benefits for degree later?
A: No, bootcamp uses 3-6 months of GI Bill. Alternative: Use VetTec (doesn't consume GI Bill) + save GI Bill for degree later. VetTec = best value.
Q: Will my clearance transfer to civilian tech job?
A: Not automatically. New employer must sponsor your clearance (pick up your investigation). If you let clearance lapse, reinvestigation costs $100K+ = companies won't hire you.
Q: What's the fastest way to $100K+ salary?
A: Cybersecurity + TS/SCI clearance + defense contractor = $110K-$150K within 6-9 months. Get Security+ cert ($400), apply to Booz Allen, CACI, Leidos.
Official Sources
- VetTec Program: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/vettec-high-tech-program/ (Last verified: 2026-01-15)
- SkillBridge Program: https://skillbridge.osd.mil/ (Last verified: 2026-01-15)
- Hiring Our Heroes: https://www.hiringourheroes.org/ (Last verified: 2026-01-15)
- Clearancejobs.com: https://www.clearancejobs.com/ (Salary data for cleared positions)
- Operation Code: https://operationcode.org/ (Veteran tech community, free mentorship)
Veteran Tech Networks:
- #VetsWhoCode (free coding bootcamp for veterans)
- MilVets in Tech (Slack group, 15K+ members)
- Hire Heroes USA (resume and interview coaching)
Related Guides
- SkillBridge Internship Complete Guide - Application process, top companies, maximizing final 180 days
- Federal Job Application for Veterans Guide - USAJobs, veterans preference, GS pay scale
- Resume Writing for Veterans - Military to civilian translation, ATS optimization
- Salary Negotiation for Veterans - Negotiation tactics, market research, competing offers
Need career path guidance? Use our Career Transition Tool to assess your skills and match to tech roles with salary projections.
Last updated: January 15, 2026. Garrison Ledger is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense. All information verified against official VA VetTec and SkillBridge program guidelines. Contact support@garrisonledger.com with corrections.