Ex-military personnel have extensive experience in protecting multiple assets, both in the UK and in hostile environments, and as a result they have developed a deep seated security mentality. With cyber warfare on the rise, there is also a growing number of individuals within the Armed Forces that been specially trained in threat intelligence and cyber security, who are ready-trained to join the civilian cyber sphere.
Military veterans are used to regularly adapting to different roles, new teams and different responsibilities. As a result, they are highly motivated, adaptable and quick to learn. Furthermore, ex-military cyber experts are not only highly skilled in the industry, but what differentiates them from others is the extensive experience they have gained has been under huge amounts of pressure in hostile environments. Such breadth of experience (as listed below) is unrivalled and makes them highly employable in the commercial world.
MILITARY CYBER EXPERIENCE
While ex-military people may lack the education or certification of their civilian counterparts, their experience more than makes up for it. Military cyber experts are experienced in:
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Networks.
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Communication systems.
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Cyber security.
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Information security.
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Information assurance.
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Technical fields including intelligence, signals, civil, electrical and mechanical engineering.
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Information security management.
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Forensic investigation.
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Report writing.
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Use of ISO 27001.
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Risk Management.
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Operations Management.
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Crisis Management.
—> HOW TO GET INTO CYBER SECURITY AFTER THE MILITARY
In addition to their military experience, veterans have a wide range of well-developed skills that will be valuable to the cyber sphere. It is these skills – particularly their soft skills – which sets military personnel apart from their civilian counterparts. We’ve pulled together a list help you identify them:
HARD SKILLS
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BSc Hons Intelligence & Security.
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Foundation Degree Information and Communication Technology.
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NVQ Communications Technology Professional.
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Microsoft and CISCO accredited qualifications.
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Advanced Apprenticeship IT Software, Web and Telecomms.
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Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).
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EnCase Certified Examiner & XRY Mobile Forensics.
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Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
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BTEC Intermediate Award, Computer Engineering.
SOFT SKILLS
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Analytical and problem solving.
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Ability to work under pressure.
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Work ethic.
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Teamwork and collaboration.
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Leadership.
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Management.
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Communications.
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Prioritisation and time management.
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Motivation.
CYBER ROLES SUITED TO EX-MILITARY PEOPLE
Thanks to all these skills and the varied training that veterans gain in the Armed Forces, many ex-military people are particularly well equipped to work in the following roles:
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SOC Analyst or Manager
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Incident Response Analyst or Manager
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Information Assurance Manager
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Penetration Tester or Vulnerability Analyst
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Security Consultant
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Threat Intelligence Analyst of Manager
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Digital Forensics Analyst
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Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Manager
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Fraud and Financial Crime Analyst or Examiner
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Project Manager
Salaries can vary and will vary depending on the role, location and the company you work for. As Cyber is a rapidly-growing sector, there should be lots of opportunities to work all over the world in cyber jobs.
EXAMPLES OF ARMED FORCES-FRIENDLY EMPLOYERS LOOKING FOR EX-MILITARY CYBER EXPERTS
If you’re ready to find out more about how to kick-start your cyber career, check out our guide to getting into cyber security after the military. Or, if you’re keen to get some qualifications under your belt ahead of looking for a job in cyber, take a look at our free cyber security training. Keep a look-out in the New Year for a fantastic new opportunity for ex-military personnel too! To gain access to this free programme of courses and training, all you have to do is register with SaluteMyJob here.