Transitioning from the military to tech felt like parachuting into a whole new world.
Instead of weapons systems, I had programming languages.
Instead of chain of command, I had agile boards.
Instead of the barracks, I had GitHub repos.
But despite the culture shock, I soon realized something important:
Veterans are uniquely equipped to thrive in the tech industry—even if we don’t speak the language yet.
We’ve already learned the toughest parts: discipline, communication under pressure, and mission-first thinking.
So here are five of the most valuable lessons I brought from my time as a 13B Cannon Crew Member into my career in tech—and how you can apply them too.
💡 1. Mission First, Ego Last
In the Army, the mission always came first.
You didn’t grandstand. You didn’t argue with the lieutenant while rounds were flying. You did your job so the team succeeded.
That mentality translates beautifully to tech.
Software is a team sport. You’re working with developers, designers, product managers, sometimes even stakeholders. People get heated. Ideas clash.
But as veterans, we know how to stay objective-focused, not ego-driven.
Want to stand out in tech? Be the one who brings clarity, defuses tension, and keeps the mission (the product, the user, the deadline) front and center.
💡 2. Routine Beats Hype
The military taught me that routine is power.
Wake up. Train. Eat. Execute. Repeat.
The same applies in tech.
You don’t need the flashiest tech stack or the hottest framework. You need consistency. You need a rhythm. Even in coding, the developers who show up daily, write, test, and commit regularly—they win.
If you’re a vet, you already have that muscle built. Use it.
Stick to your learning goals. Show up every day—even if it’s 30 minutes. That grind will take you further than any bootcamp ever could.
💡 3. Adapt and Overcome
Field problems never go as planned.
Neither do product launches.
You’ll see broken builds, failed tests, system outages, and last-minute changes. You’ll have to learn on the fly, figure out someone else’s legacy code, or fix an API during a live demo.
As a veteran, this doesn’t scare you. You’re used to being dropped into chaos with a rucksack and a mission brief.
Your ability to adapt—without panic—is one of your greatest assets.
In fact, it’s a superpower in tech.
💡 4. Protect Your People
One thing I miss about the Army? The unspoken bond. You always watched your buddy’s six.
In tech, people sometimes isolate. Remote work can make teams feel more like freelancers than fireteams.
But the best tech environments? They’re built on trust and loyalty.
Be the one who:
- Helps the new dev feel welcome
- Picks up the slack without complaint
- Documents for the next person
- Flags burnout before it breaks someone
These things don’t show up on performance reviews—but they build legendary teams.
💡 5. You’re Already a Learner
A lot of vets hold back because they think they’re not “technical” enough.
But let’s be real: you learned how to operate million-dollar weapons systems, interpret battlefield maps, decode acronyms, and survive under pressure.
Learning Python? You got this.
Approach coding the same way you learned weapons drills:
- Step by step
- Repetition
- Muscle memory
- Constant feedback
You’re not starting over. You’re just switching battlefields.
Final Thoughts: This Is a Veteran’s Arena
Tech needs more people who:
- Act without ego
- Think clearly in high-stress environments
- Put mission before credit
- Care deeply about the team
Sound like you?
Then you belong here. Don’t wait to be invited—move in with purpose.
Follow my journey daily at jameshenderson.online, where military grit becomes digital growth—and loyalty still leads the way.