Guest OpEd by Kayleigh Alexandra
Life after time serving in the armed forces comes with a lot of questions.
Who am I? Where do I go from here? Can I return to ‘normal’ life?
It’s a difficult time for ex-servicemen and women, one where employment is a huge point of contention.
It’s not always easy to find a new purpose, perhaps signaling why veteran unemployment continues to plague the country.
However, careers in the emerging cyber security sector might just offer a way out and some hope for a fulfilling future.
In this article, we’ll analyze the crossover in skills between these two roles and explain how the untapped workforce of ex-military personnel might just make ideal hires for companies in the cyber security industry.
Skills to help you thrive in cyber security
Cyber security is a budding industry that encompasses both in-house and external roles.
High-profile hacking scandals where major companies have fallen victim to fraud and ransomware attacks have put everyone on high alert.
This has only been heightened in the age of COVID-19, where remote working and less-than-satisfactory security protocols have put companies and individuals alike at the mercy of digital criminals.
To combat this, both major companies and specialist enterprises are on the lookout for more talented, tech-savvy people to join their cyber security teams to offer additional protection and training programs.
But what skills are needed to excel in this role?
The role of many top cyber security professionals involves:
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Spotting vulnerabilities and risks in both hardware and software
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Building protective systems for network infrastructures (such as firewalls)
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Informing security decisions in the development stages of software and network system designs
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Constantly monitoring systems for attacks
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Identifying perpetrators of cybercrime
Immediately, anyone with a working knowledge of modern day-to-day military operations will notice crossover in those roles and the requirements of a cyber security specialist.
But what exact skills do veterans have that might be of use to employers?
What skills and expertise can veterans offer new employers?
The veteran skillset is a highly versatile and complex one, particularly for veterans who have long and storied careers in the military.
But what are these skills, and how useful are they in ‘everyday’ office roles?
Familiarity with tech
Familiarity with tech is a crucial part of succeeding in cyber security, and you might be surprised to know veterans are well-versed in both advanced and everyday forms of technology.
While they might not be social media-savvy, recently relieved veterans will more than likely have spent more time manning and monitoring technically demanding devices than they did testing themselves on the obstacle course.
Tech is an important part of the modern military experience, with the U.S military, in particular, featuring some of the most sophisticated technology in the world.
Access to and responsibility with this technology has given a generation of servicemen and women a greater familiarity with the demands and intricacies of delicately devised devices.
As the Military Times wrote, veterans’ qualifications on these new tools make them ideal candidates for the tech world’s ‘New Collar’ movement.
(Want to learn more about veteran hiring? Meet vets who are flourishing in new careers in cybersecurity and IT, healthcare technology, and insurance administration. Courtesy of Military Makeover and YouTube. Posted on May 14, 2021.)
Teamwork and leadership
Teamwork and respect for authority are integral parts of the military work environment.
You won’t get very far in an armed services career if you can’t follow the hierarchies of authority or put your teammates first in high-pressure situations.
Teamwork and leadership aren’t just ways of maintaining order and discipline within different branches of the military, but they are also about developing interpersonal skills and internal focus. These are unique skills that help prepare veterans for high-responsibility and fast-paced modern working environments.
This reliance on one another and the expectation to perform above your rank for the good of your squad is something many veterans carry with them well into their lives after the force.
This ability to step into other roles when needed is crucial in small startups and innovative company structures, where funds are limited and employees are often required to offer more than just their own niche expertise to keep the business afloat through peak periods.
Critical thinking and problem solving
The military is a dynamic and taxing environment full of unpredictable and highly stressful events. To survive it, strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills are a must.
These skills aren’t even limited to those in high-ranking positions of authority either. While decisions often come from the top, structures such as decentralized command initiatives put personal responsibility in the hands of personnel in high-pressure situations (as the MWI cover in this article), giving them the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills and the ability to react appropriately in dire situations.
Compromising the mission is not an option, so veterans have an ingrained ability and desire to find solutions. This is essential in modern working environments where new challenges are thrown at you every day.
Other key military skills and attitudes that veterans can bring into more conventional workplaces include:
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Resiliency (Ideal for complex cyber security issues)
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Communication (Helps them solve problems as part of a team and relay complicated messages)
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Self-discipline (Veterans understand there is a time and a place for particular solutions)
(Hear from James Murphy, CEO of TechVets about his experience transitioning from the military to cyber security, how he first got involved with TechVets and his journey to CEO of the organization, and how the community creates opportunities for tech-curious veterans. Courtesy of Crest Videos and YouTube.)
Why is this role such a good option for veterans?
As we’ve touched upon throughout this article, life after time in the armed services can be extremely difficult. Especially in terms of finding and following a new career path.
Many veterans are looking for a role that suits their skill set, but at the same time allows them to live a more relaxed life closer to home.
Cyber security offers just this lifestyle, balancing the intensity and problem solving of a modern military role with the steady assurance of a typical white-collar job.
Whether desk-based or out in the field, veterans can employ their specialisms and problem-solving skills to assist local companies and challenge oncoming threats. In many ways, it’s a natural career evolution.
Veterans are hungry for new challenges, which is why so many opt to start their own business. Despite this, life is still a struggle for so many, particularly those suffering from disabilities developed in duty (as veteran consultancy organization Vet Comp and Pen has noted).
The truth is funding and assistance aren’t always easy to access for veterans. Veterans don’t just need high pay and healthcare coverage though, but a purpose and way to replicate the work environment they’ve essentially grown into adults within.
The crossover between these roles makes veteran hires a no-brainer for cyber security enterprises.
For any veterans considering this as a career option and employers looking to hire within this talent pool, the National Initiative For Cybersecurity Careers And Studies (NICCS) guide is an excellent place to learn about getting started and potential training options.
About the Author
Kayleigh Alexandra is a writer for MicroStartups, your online destination for everything startup.
She’s passionate about hard-working solopreneurs and SMEs making waves in the business world.
Visit the blog for your latest dose of startup and charity insights from top experts around the globe @getmicrostarted.
DHS Recognized in 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Excellence in Homeland Security
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The Blue Campaign is a national public awareness campaign, designed to educate the public, law enforcement and other industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking, and how to appropriately respond to possible cases.
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Blue Campaign works closely with DHS Components to create general awareness training and materials for law enforcement and others to increase detection of human trafficking, and to identify victims.
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Located within the Office of Partnership and Engagement, the Blue Campaign leverages partnerships with the private sector, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), law enforcement and state/local authorities to maximize national public engagement on anti-human trafficking efforts.
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Blue Campaign’s educational awareness objectives consists of two foundational elements, prevention of human trafficking and protection of exploited persons.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate
Excellence in Homeland Security
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The COVID-19 pandemic is a global threat with life and death consequences, the enormity of which many of us have never seen before.
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It is also a scientific challenge in need of innovative solutions and S&T is using every tool at its disposal to join the fight; including harnessing the knowledge of it’s experts on technology deployments, international collaboration, scientific breakthroughs, and support for America’s frontline workers.
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S&T has focused its efforts on laboratory research and providing valuable resources to inform the broader response community and help keep front line responders safe.
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Highlights of S&T’s response efforts can be found in our Battling the Invisible Enemy report.
DHS S&T Chemical Security Analysis Center (CSAC)
Excellence in Homeland Security
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CARD, a chemical synthesis and chemical informatics centric data system (e.g. boiling point, melting point, toxicity, or spectroscopic information) containing both unclassified and classified data, is accessible from a classified website maintained on a server hosted by the Department of Defense.
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The website is available to appropriately cleared personnel from DHS, Department of Justice (e.g. FBI), other United States Government interagency offices, and state and local agencies, and provides information on how chemicals of interest could be produced.
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There is a detailed description of how each chemical is prepared to include information relevant to each step, the reagents and reactants that are needed and the conditions necessary for the reactions to take place, such as time, temperature, mixing—like a recipe.
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If law enforcement were to discover a table full of labeled chemicals in a clandestine laboratory, they would put these names as a list in CARD to find out what the suspects are making – illicit drugs, poisons, or warfare agents.
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CARD can be used the other way around. If police find an illicit drug or a warfare agent, they can search in the website to see what chemicals can be used to make it.
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For example, if police capture a suspect with a vial of sarin gas (a nerve agent that can kill in minutes after inhalation), they can use CARD to determine which chemicals are used to make it. Police can then search the suspect’s illicit lab for those chemicals and obtain further evidence of wrongdoing.
DHS S&T National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL)
Excellence in Public Safety
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Hoist Rescue Gloves for Aerial Rescue
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Rescue helicopter hoist operators need gloves to protect the hand that guides the hoist cable during rescue descents and ascents, using a significant amount of force to mitigate the cable swinging for situations from hurricane evacuations and dive rescues to rescuing stranded hikers on a mountain side, missions vary and no two are ever alike.
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A partnership between S&T and Higher Dimension Materials, Inc. (HDM) resulted in an enhanced rescue hoist glove with increased flexibility, durability, and dexterity.
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The glove design uses cushioning materials offering protection to the thumb crotch (purlicue) area, the index and little finger, and a leather guard to alleviate inconsistent glove performance when wet,” said Jones-Holt.
(See the enhanced Hoist Rescue Glove in action. Courtesy of DHS Science and Technology Directorate and YouTube.)
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate
Excellence in Homeland Security
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The Slash CameraPole is a self-triggering platform with wireless data retrieval to detect and give warning of suspicious activities at the U.S.-Canada border, specifically a cleared stretch of land at the border that is approximately 20-feet wide, 1,349 miles long, and is referred to as the “Slash.”
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This man-made, treeless zone is mandated by the International Boundary Commission and presents a formidable surveillance challenge, against such threats as illegal crossings, drug and illegal contraband smuggling and human trafficking.
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Using the Slash CameraPole system, Border Patrol has been able to establish an advanced border surveillance capability where none existed before.
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Partnering with MIT Lincoln Laboratory and several private companies to create the Slash CameraPole with numerous ingenious features, such as solar panels and a back-up fuel cell system make it independent of the power grid, multiple infrared cameras (two long-range, one foreground, and one base imager with a fisheye lens) mean it doesn’t miss a thing.
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An in-ground cement foundation and electrical enclosure ensures it can withstand brutal winter conditions. Should its unobtrusive appearance manage to draw the attention of would-be vandals, the Slash CameraPole is resistant to small arms fire and other tampering.
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The Slash CameraPole also employs advanced motion detection algorithms and automated alerts designed to improve classification of targets and lower the chance of false alarms from factors such as wild animals or vegetation moving in the wind.
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*DHS S&T Programs have now been recognized in their Fifth Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
HSI Operation Predator Nominated in 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program
American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards program is entering its Sixth Year and continues to recognize the Outstanding Innovations of top firms and agencies in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields.
The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program highlighting the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition, and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
90% of ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners return to compete in the Annual ‘ASTORS‘ Homeland Security Awards Program, and 100% of ‘ASTORS’ Sponsors have returned year to year to reap the benefits of their participation in the industry’s largest and most comprehensive Annual Awards Program.
2020 was a very challenging year for everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the much heralded AST ‘ASTORS’ Awards Winners Presentations and exclusive Luncheon at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC was canceled and rescheduled for 2021 due to the virus.
However, the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program was again a huge success and many new categories were added including a section for COVID-19 Detection and Innovation.
The 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was sponsored by ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, Desktop Alert, X.Labs and Reed Exhibitions, every one a returning Sponsor from 2020, 2019 and More.
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.
Comprehensive List of Categories Include:
| Access Control/ Identification | Personal/Protective Equipment | Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism |
| Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System | Interagency Interdiction Operation | Cloud Computing/Storage Solution |
| Facial/IRIS Recognition | Body Worn Video Product | Cyber Security |
| Video Surveillance/VMS | Mobile Technology | Anti-Malware |
| Audio Analytics | Disaster Preparedness | ID Management |
| Thermal/Infrared Camera | Mass Notification System | Fire & Safety |
| Metal/Weapon Detection | Rescue Operations | Critical Infrastructure |
| License Plate Recognition | Detection Products | And Many Others! |
Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?
With the unprecedented occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of the safety and security industries has realized the need to increase innovations to address the daily growing challenges.
As such AST aims to make sure these firms and professionals are reflected in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, so we’d like to encourage you to submit appropriate categories recommendations and include COVID-19 Frontline Professionals in your Nominations to see that these Professionals, Facilities, and Vendors receive the Recognition they Deserve!
Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
2020 ‘ASTORS’ Excellence and Government Award Recipients Include
American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards program is now in its Sixth Year and continues to recognize the Outstanding Innovations of top firms and agencies in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields.
2020 ‘ASTORS’ Excellence and Government Award Recipients Include
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Excellence in Homeland Security
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The Blue Campaign is a national public awareness campaign, designed to educate the public, law enforcement and other industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking, and how to appropriately respond to possible cases.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Excellence in Homeland Security
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The CDC has provided Law enforcement and EMS who must make contact with individuals confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19 with guidance to help safeguard their health while performing their duties.
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Law enforcement who must make contact with individuals confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19 should follow CDC’s Interim Guidance for EMS.
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To Learn More, please visit the CDC’s answers to frequently asked questions about law enforcement and COVID-19 by clicking this link.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Excellence in Homeland Security
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ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) is charged with enforcing the nation’s immigration laws in a fair and effective manner.
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ERO identifies and apprehends removable aliens, detains these individuals when necessary and removes illegal aliens from the United States.
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ERO transports removable aliens from point to point, manages aliens in custody or in an alternative to detention program, provides access to legal resources and representatives of advocacy groups and removes individuals from the United States who have been ordered to be deported.
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ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of aliens who undermine the safety of our communities and the integrity of our immigration laws.
Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
Best Federal Government Security Program
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Federal Risk Management Process Training Program
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The Federal Risk Management Process Training Program (FedRMPTP), Newly available Online – is Interagency Security Committee certified for Facility Security Officials, Federal Security Supervisors and those involved with Federal facility acquisition, construction, and renovation projects.
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On October 19, 1995, six months after the Oklahoma City bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, President Clinton issued Executive Order 12977, creating the Interagency Security Committee (ISC) to address continuing government-wide security for federal facilities.
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Prior to 1995, minimum physical security standards for non-military federally owned or leased facilities.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Excellence in Homeland Security
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The IC3 serves as the FBI’s central hub to receive, develop, and refer criminal complaints regarding the rapidly expanding occurrences of Internet crime
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IC3 provides the public with a reliable and convenient reporting mechanism to submit reports of suspected Internet-facilitated criminal activity and to develop alliances with law enforcement and industry partners.
Federal Protective Service in Collaboration with the Argonne National Laboratory
Best Risk, Crisis Management Solution
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Modified Infrastructure Survey Tool (MIST) – COVID-19 Telematics Capabilities
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DHS’s Federal Protective Service (FPS) provides integrated security and law enforcement services–including conducting security assessments and detecting and mitigating threats–to over 9,500 federal facilities. To accomplish this mission, FPS leverages the Modified Infrastructure Survey Tool (MIST), a joint solution developed in partnership with Argonne National Laboratory.
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Argonne and FPS have continuously sought ways to improve the tool’s ability to assess, detect, and mitigating threats, and this year, no threat was more pervasive in this country than COVID-19.
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To confront the threat that COVID-19 posed to the FPS workforce, MIST was enhanced to allow FPS Headquarters and FPS Management to track and display each federal building affected by COVID-19, and to analyze local hospitals and EMS facilities in relation to federal buildings and office locations.
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Additionally, the map capability within MIST was expanded to allow for many additional layers, allowed FPS a granular understanding of the number of facilities impacted by the virus, and much more.
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Ultimately, the new COVID-19 telematics capabilities offered FPS decision makers the ability to make better informed decisions on moving personnel and security equipment to best protect people and property, while ensuring safety of their staff.
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The Federal Protective Service and Argonne National Laboratory have also been recognized in the 2019, and 20188 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Programs respectively.
New Jersey City University
Excellence in Public Safety
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NJCU is one of the few programs nationally in higher education designated an Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) per the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and a Cyber Defense CAE per the National Security Agency.
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The Department of Professional Security Studies focuses on a student–centered, scholar-practitioner approach to education.
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It’s mission is to facilitate access, create opportunities and provide a supportive environment for achieving academic success through learning and appreciation of subject matter, professional and personal growth and the development of identified and marketable global and disciplinary competencies.
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The New Jersey City University (NJCU) Cybersecurity program is an interdisciplinary center for cybersecurity education, training and research, which aims to provide current and future professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to strive and compete within the cyber security community outreach.
New York City Emergency Management
Excellence in Homeland Security
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New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM), is under the guidance of Commissioner Deanne Criswell, a former FEMA official and head of OEM for the city of Aurora, CO, who is responsible for oversight and development of the city’s emergency management plans.
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NYCEM regularly tests plans by conducting drills and exercises, and responds to emergencies to ensure that other agencies not only follow these plans, but to foster communication amongst the responding agencies.
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NYCEM also operates the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) where city, state and federal agencies join representatives from the private and nonprofit sectors to coordinate complex responses to emergencies and disasters.
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The agency also developed and runs the Notify NYC emergency alert program, by which citizens can sign up to receive phone and email alerts about emergencies and events happening in their neighborhoods.
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NYCEM is also the administrator of New York City’s community emergency response teams. Each community emergency response team (CERT) is coterminous with one or more New York community boards.
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The agency also maintains the Citywide Incident Management System which is based on the National Incident Management System.
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U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Excellence in Public Safety
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U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (CGAUX) boating courses provide instruction to boaters at all levels, from the fundamental to the advanced.
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The agency’s courses (virtual and classroom) are taught by experienced and knowledgeable CGAUX instructors committed to the highest standards of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
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They are offered in two modalities: virtual, video conference with CGAUX Virtual PE Instructors, and classroom setting with CGAUX PE Instructors.
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers eyes throughout the story with cutting edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state and local level as well as from private firms allied to government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more about the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Check Out the New 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2020 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.
It is your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2020 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
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For a complete list of 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, click here.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, and the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
